Neuroprotective Effects Of Garcinia Morella And Ficus Religiosa Extract Against Rotenone-Induced Mouse Model Of Parkinson's In Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Parkinson Disease is a severe neurodegenerative condition marked by the gradual decline of dopaminergic neurons, resulting in significant debilitation, which is believed to be influenced by neuroinflammation and various signaling pathways. Experimental procedures involved the allocation of mice into six distinct groups: a control group, a vehicle group receiving ROT (to induce Parkinson's-like symptoms), and three treatment groups receiving herbal extracts of Garcinia morella and Ficus religiosa and a combination of both extracts with ROT at doses of 400 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg, respectively. A sixth standardised treatment group was administered with a combination of (L-dopa and carbidopa) sinemet, alongside ROT (1.5 mg/kg s.c.). Throughout the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st days of the experiment, behavioural parameters were measured to evaluate motor manifestations of PD in mice. On the 22nd day, biochemical analyses were conducted to estimate the Oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, and histology of the substantia nigra and striatal brain tissues. The results of this study indicated that 600 mg/kg p.o. of herbal extracts exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced PD. These effects were comparable to the standard treatment of sinemet, as supported by behavioural, biochemical, and histological results. Consequently, it can be concluded that the combination dose of herbal extracts has a beneficial antiparkinsonian effect, likely attributed to its potential to alleviate oxidative stress by reducing free radicals and enhancing dopamine and glutamate levels. Based on these findings, the combination dose shows promise as a therapeutic agent for PD. It offers protection to dopamine-producing neurons from rotenone toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and down-regulating stress-related molecules. This investigation shows the neuroprotective properties of the combination of Ficus religiosa and Garcinia morella and results in promising potential in the field of PD prevention and treatment.