Dietary supplementation with Withania somnifera root powder promotes recovery after peripheral nerve injury in mice

Abstract

Commonly known as Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal has long been used as a medicinal herb that exhibits neuroprotective effects. Here, we investigate the potential impact of supplementing crude root powder of W. somnifera on restoring functions using a murine model. This model exhibits muscle function loss when subjected to a lesion to the sciatic nerve. A dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight was offered orally to the treatment group starting from the day of the nerve lesion to the end of the study. To evaluate the restoration of both muscle and sensory functions, the functional recovery was assessed through measuring the walking pattern (SFI), muscle force, and response to the thermal stimulus. Behavioural assessments were confirmed by evaluating the impact of treatment on oxidative stress, other systemic indicators, haematological, and serological markers. For all observations, a value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. It was noted that the motor and sensory functions of the treatment group were markedly improved. We conclude that supplementing W. somnifera (roots) speeds up functional recovery following a peripheral nerve injury. For traumatic nerve injuries, it may be a therapeutic agent; however, further investigations are warranted.