Evaluation of Date Extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity in Male Rats

INTRODUCTION: Neuropathy is a condition in which the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is disordered. Studying the effects of antioxidants on the performance improvement of this system is vital. This study aimed to investigate the effects of date extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Distal Motor Latency (DML), and wave height of the sciatic nerve in male rats. METHODS: This laboratory study used 24 male Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g, divided into the test and control groups. The test group received 10% date extract daily, at 4 mL/kg of body weight, for three weeks. In the beginning, nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Distal Motor Latency (DML), and wave height of the sciatic nerve were examined in all animals and reexamined for NCV three weeks later. P-values lower than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Sciatic NCV and wave height were significantly increased; however, compared to the control group, DML of the knee significantly declined in the test group. CONCLUSION: The compositions of date extract accelerate electrical signal transmission. HIGHLIGHTS: Irreparable damages to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are major problems in societies. Different therapeutic methods have been adopted for peripheral nerve repair. According to FAO, the production and use of dates are rising. Dates are used in traditional medicine for curing hoarseness, paralysis, backache, and rheumatic pains. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Dates are highly important in our nutrition. There have been studies on the positive antioxidative effects of date extract in preventing diabetic neuropathy. Dates are used in traditional medicine for curing hoarseness, paralysis, backache, and rheumatic pains, among others. The importance of dates is derived from their rich compositions of carbohydrates, salts and minerals, dietary fiber, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, and proteins. Different therapeutic methods have been adopted for PNS, still, 50% of these damages become permanent and cause disability. Date palms are in the palm family native to Iran, and found in relatively tropical regions.Dates are used in traditional medicine for curing hoarseness, paralysis, backache, and rheumatic pains, among others. In short, the compositions of date extract accelerate electrical signal transmission.