BACKGROUND: Olive polyphenols are known to be an anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential neuroprotective effect on chronic cervical myelopathy rabbit model.
METHODS: This study was divided into six groups; control negative (Sham-Operated) group, control positive 1 and 2, treatment groups 1, 2, and 3. Olive leaf extract (OLE) gives 350 mg/kg BW and spinal cord sample was taken at the compression level C5. Histopathological assessment and immunohistochemistry of neurofilaments (NF), S-100, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and evaluation of functional motoric outcome were done before animals were terminated.
RESULTS: Chronic cervical myelopathy in rabbit model causes decreased expression of NF, S-100, BDNF, and decreased motor function. Oral administration of OLE increased the expression of these biomarkers and improved motor function outcomes.
DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that OLE may be effective in protecting chronic cervical myelopathy in rabbit model.