Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigation of the effect of Shilajit in rats with experimental spinal cord injury

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg, 2023 · DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2023.60621 · Published: December 1, 2023

Pharmacology Surgery Veterinary Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of Shilajit on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. SCI often leads to motor loss, sensory impairment and autonomic dysfunction. Rats were divided into a control group (spinal cord damage, no drug), a low-dose Shilajit group, and a high-dose Shilajit group. The Shilajit was administered intraperitoneally after the spinal cord damage was induced. The spinal cords were examined for histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. The high-dose Shilajit group showed fewer morphological changes compared to the other groups, suggesting a protective effect.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

30 Wistar Albino male rats

Evidence Level

Experimental study

Key Findings

1
Histopathological examination showed that the high-dose Shilajit group had lower amounts of morphological damage compared to the low-dose and control groups.
2
A significant CD68 immune reaction was observed in the control group, indicating inflammation. This reaction was significantly decreased in the groups treated with Shilajit, suggesting reduced inflammation.
3
Shilajit application inhibited anti-inflammatory reactions at significant levels in direct proportion to the dose increase used, and partially reduced myelin degenerations.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of Shilajit to mitigate secondary damage in spinal cord injury (SCI) using a rat model. Rats were divided into control, low-dose Shilajit, and high-dose Shilajit groups after SCI was induced. Histopathological analysis revealed that the high-dose Shilajit group exhibited reduced morphological damage compared to the control and low-dose groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a decreased CD68 immune reaction in Shilajit-treated groups, indicating reduced inflammation. The study concludes that Shilajit may have a beneficial effect in reducing secondary damage following SCI, potentially leading to improved outcomes in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Shilajit may be a potential therapeutic agent for reducing secondary damage in SCI.

Further Research Needed

Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration route of Shilajit for SCI treatment.

Clinical Applications

The findings suggest the possibility of using Shilajit as an adjunct therapy in SCI patients to improve outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The study only assessed histopathological and immunohistochemical outcomes; functional outcomes were not evaluated.
3
Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which Shilajit exerts its effects on SCI.

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