Astaxanthin promotes locomotor function recovery and attenuates tissue damage in rats following spinal cord injury: a systematic review and trial sequential analysis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with limited therapeutic options, and oxidative stress plays a critical role in its pathology. Astaxanthin (AST), a natural antioxidant, is being explored for its potential in treating SCI due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This review evaluates the neurobiological roles of AST in treating SCI in rats and its potential for clinical application, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.

• 1
  AST treatment in rats with SCI shows increased Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores, indicating improved locomotor function recovery compared to controls.
• 2
  AST treatment is associated with improved outcomes in spared white matter area, motor neuron survival, and modulation of SOD and MDA levels.
• 3
  Trial sequential analysis confirms that AST can facilitate locomotor recovery in rats following SCI, suggesting its potential as a candidate for clinical trials.