15: Eriocitrin modulates neuropathic pain response in chronic constriction injury induced mononeuropathy

Topic: Basic Science
Subtopic: Pain category (ICD-11), Chronic neuropathic pain, , , , , , , , , , Pharmacological interventions

Background and Aims: Neuropathic pain remains challenging to treat because of its complex mechanisms and variable responses to current therapies. Naturally occurring flavonoids have emerged as promising candidates due to their multi-target actions on pain pathways. This study evaluated the analgesic potential of eriocitrin, a flavonoid derived from Citrus limon

Methods: in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) that mimics peripheral neuropathy. Following CCI or sham surgery, rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of eriocitrin (15 or 30 mg/kg) or pregabalin (30 mg/kg) for 21 days. Behavioral assessments on postoperative days 3-21 measured tactile and cold allodynia as well as thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. At study completion, oxidative stress indices and inflammatory mediators were quantified in neural tissues.

Results: Eriocitrin produced a dose-dependent attenuation of CCI-induced pain behaviors and significantly improved sciatic nerve function. Biochemical analyses showed reduced oxidative damage, restoration of endogenous antioxidant defenses, and suppression of spinal inflammatory cytokines, indicating mitigation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The compound did not impair motor performance and exhibited capsaicin-sensitive, TRPV1-mediated antinociceptive activity. The reference drug pregabalin produced comparable behavioral and biochemical improvements. Overall, eriocitrin effectively alleviated neuropathic pain manifestations, likely through combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms that influence both peripheral and central sensitization.

Conclusions: These findings highlight eriocitrin as a promising natural, multi-modal candidate for neuropathic pain management.

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Presenting Author: HUANG zhangxiang
Submitting Author: zhangxiang huang

Senior Author: HUANG zhangxiang

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: Yes