The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of flavonoid rich fraction of Helicteres isora (FRFHI) fruits on diabetic neuropathy in experimental animals. A partial insulin resistance was induced in rats by 3 weeks of high fat diet regimen and confirmed with glucose tolerance test and high triacylglycerol levels. After 3 weeks of high fat diet regimen, streptozotocin (35 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered to different groups of rats. 10 days after STZ injection, FRFHI (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) were administered in diabetic rats (n=6) for three weeks. At the end of the treatment body weight, biochemical parameters, behavioural parameters and antioxidant systems were noted along with histopathological examinations. FRFHI restored the body weight as compared to diabetic control rats and significantly lowered biochemical changes. FRFHI showed significant delay in paw and tail withdrawal latency in hyperalgesia and allodynia respectively. Improved walking function was also observed with 3 weeks of FRFHI treatment as compared to diabetic control rats. The antioxidant systems namely MDA, SOD, NO and GSH were also restored significantly with FRFHI treatment at dose levels of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed FRFHI 150 and 300 mg/kg treated rats markedly restored the structural alterations as compared to diabetic control rats. FRFHI has shown beneficial effect in preventing the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
