A recent study has revealed that trigonelline, a natural compound, may offer significant neuroprotective benefits for spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery published in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. Conducted on rats, the research demonstrated that trigonelline effectively reduced pain, inflammation, and cellular damage while promoting nerve repair. Published findings suggest this compound could pave the way for new SCI therapies with fewer side effects.
The study, led by researchers using a surgical aneurysm clip-induced SCI model, tested trigonelline at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mgkg-1 alongside a control group. Over 28 days, trigonelline-treated rats showed marked improvements in mechano-tactile sensation, motor function, and nerve conduction velocity compared to untreated SCI rats. Biochemical analyses revealed that trigonelline downregulated inflammatory markers like COX-Ⅱ and apoptotic proteins (Bax, caspase-3), while boosting protective factors such as Bcl-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Additionally, trigonelline stabilized mitochondrial enzyme activity, which is critical for cellular energy and health. Histological evidence further confirmed its benefits, showing reduced neuronal degeneration, inflammation, and tissue necrosis in the spinal cord.
“Our findings highlight trigonelline’s potential to modulate key pathways involved in SCI recovery, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic development,” noted the lead author.
Trigonelline’s ability to mitigate inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction while enhancing neurotrophic support positions it as a compelling candidate for SCI treatment. Further research is needed to validate these effects in human trials, but the study underscores the potential of natural compounds in neuroprotection.
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