The role of astragaloside in regeneration of the peripheral nerve system.

The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral nerve regeneration across a 15-mm gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat, using a silicone rubber nerve guide filled with different concentrations of astragaloside (0, 50, 100, and 200 microM). Collagen was also filled in the chambers to prevent the astragaloside from leakage. At the end of 8 weeks, animals from the group treated with astragaloside, especially at the concentration of 50 microM, had a higher rate of successful regeneration across the wide gap, a significantly larger number of myelinated axons, and a greater evoked action potential than the control group. However, the high-dose astragaloside (200 microM) completely reversed this positive effect of growth-promoting capability and inhibited nerve regeneration. Thus, astragaloside plays a dual role in anastomosis, being salutary in aiding the growth of axons in peripheral nerve but also detrimental, terminating the nerve regenerative processes if improperly applied.

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