Investigation of the Effect of Rose Oxide in Animal Models of Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats

Introduction Neuropathy caused by chemotherapy, a dose-limiting neurotoxic side effect, often leads to treatment discontinuation. About 30 to 70% of patients treated with paclitaxel experience peripheral neuropathy due to the drug combination and dosage. Given the significant prevalence of neuropathy in individuals who have undergone chemotherapy treatments and the growing need for new therapeutic approaches, including those based on natural resources, it is imperative to investigate substances capable of mitigating this adverse effect. Methods Natural plant compounds are often used to treat various pathological conditions due to superior treatment options and minimal side effects. Rose oxide (RO), monoterpenes present in several essential oils, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting IL-1 beta production and leukocyte migration. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of rose oxide in its free form on animal models of neuropathic pain induced by antineoplastics in rats. Neuropathic pain was induced by paclitaxel at a dose of 20 mg/kg i.p. for four consecutive days and treated with rose oxide at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg and after this period, behavioral analyzes (von Frey mechanical allodynia, acetone test and open field), biochemical, hematological and assessment of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde levels). The results suggested that rose oxide has antinociceptive activity in animal models of antineoplastic-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Results Furthermore, treatment with RO did not show significant adverse effects on biochemical and hematological parameters, with the exception of the 12.5 mg/kg dose of RO affected creatinine levels and all doses of TGP, while the highest dose (50 mg/kg) caused changes in total proteins and albumin, suggesting a more binding strong with plasma proteins. Finally, treatment with RO 25 mg/kg significantly altered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Conclusion These results suggest that the use of RO in its free form may be a promising option for the treatment of antineoplastic-induced neuropathic pain in humans. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate safety and efficacy.