1*PhD Scholar, Sandip University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik, Maharashtra, India-422213. Email: chavanprafull11@gmail.com. ORCID: 0009-0009-3261-2355. Corresponding author.
2Professor, Sandip University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik, Maharashtra, India-422213. ORCID: 0000-0002-9438-7861
Received: 12th Dec, 2025; Revised: 12th Feb 2026; Accepted: 13th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 10th March, 2026
Background: Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), a persistent and incapacitating illness caused by nerve injury or metabolic imbalances, is characterised by increased nociceptive sensitivity and neuroinflammation. A model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats closely resembles PNP in humans. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and ferulic acid (FA), two naturally occurring antioxidants, have potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This work investigated and compared the therapeutic potential of ALA, FA, and their combination with the popular drug gabapentin in a CCI-induced PNP model in rats.
Methods: Five adult groups (n=6) Group I: Disease Control, Group II: Gabapentin (30 mg/kg, i.p.), Group III: alpha-lipoic acid (25 mg/kg, p.o.), Group IV: ferulic acid (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and a combination of Group V: alpha-lipoic acid + ferulic acid (12 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to Wistar rats. The behavioural assessments included mechanical allodynia (von Frey), cold allodynia (acetone), thermal allodynia (hot plate), and mechanical hyperalgesia (pinprick). Biochemical analyses assessed SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA, and TNF-α levels in sciatic nerve homogenates, while histopathological analysis assessed axonal integrity and inflammation.
Result: CCI significantly increased oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory markers, and nociceptive behaviour. Small improvements were seen with ALA or FA alone. Nevertheless, their combined effects were very similar to gabapentin's, considerably lowering pain behaviour and returning oxidative and inflammatory indicators to normal. Histology demonstrated improved axonal preservation in combination-treated rats.
Conclusion: ALA and FA's synergistic neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, especially when combined, suggest that they may be used as an adjuvant or alternative treatment for PNP.
Keywords: TNF-α; Alpha-Lipoic Acid; Ferulic Acid; Antioxidant Therapy; Chronic Constriction Injury; Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
How to cite this article: Chavan PS, Kulkarni AD. Neuroprotective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Ferulic Acid on Chronic Constriction Injury Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Rats. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3): 542-553. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3.61
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None