Neuroprotective effects of Astragalus root on experimentally spinal cord injury in rats

Objective To investigate the protective effect of Astragalus root (AR) on the secondary spinal cord injury in Wistar rats and compare it with Methylprednisoline(MP) Methods Spinal cord injury in 60 adult rats were made at the T9 segment according to Allen's method. The rats were divided randomly into three groups:group A(single spinal cord injury,SCI) , group B(SCI with MP treatment group), group C(SCI with AR treatment group). The activity of SOD and the concentration of MDA of the injuried tissue of the spinal cord were measured at 4,8,24 h after different treatment. Hemorheology were evaluated by viscometer at the same time. Pathological influence of the drugs were observed respectively with microscope at 1 and 2 weeks, meanwhile, functional status were assessed by the combined behavioral score(CBS) . Results Comparison of the group C with group A and B showed that concentration of MDA of the injuried tissue of the spinal cord were significantly lower. The activity of SOD were significantly higher in group C than in group A, there were no significant difference between the group C and group B. Moreover, index of the hemorheology were improved,biopsy found that micro-injury of the myelin sheath and more survival tissue in the group C. Conclusion Astragalus Root can alleviate the lipid peroxidation, and improve microcirculation, thus show a promising future for treatment of spinal cord injury.