Original Articles: 2011 Vol: 3 Issue: 6
Neuroprotective effect of various extracts of Prosopis chilensis in MPTP induced neurotoxicity in mice
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate neuroprotective effect of various (alcoholic, petroleum, ethyl acetate and aqueous) extracts of Prosopis chilensis (PC) seeds in MPTP (1-methyl,4- phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra hydro pyridine) mouse model. PC seed extracts was administered at different doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (p.o) in different groups once a day for seven days and the first dose was given 30 min prior to first MPTP injection (20 mg/kg/i.p) 4 injections at 2 hours intervals. Behavioural parameters were assessed on 1st, 3rd and 6th day of treatment. The alcoholic extract at given doses significantly dose dependently increased the spontaneous motor activity, grip strength and alertness. Mice were sacrificed by decapitation and whole brain was analysed for dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, reduced glutathione level and lipid peroxidation. Alcoholic extract of PC significantly (P< 0.01, 0.001) and ethyl acetate, aqueous extracts significantly (P< 0.001) improved the brain dopamine and other amines like norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin at a dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg and also significantly (P< 0.001) improved the reduced glutathione level and decreased the melondialdehyde (MDA) level as compared to MPTP control group, while petroleum ether extract has no significant effect on dopamine and other amines when combine with MPTP. However, the alcoholic extract showed maximum activity while ethyl acetate and aqueous extract showed similar activity. Hence, PC placed a most important plant due to presence of L-dopa, poly phenols, amino acids and potential antioxidant activity. These results indicating evidence for PC extract had a neuroprotective effect on MPTP induced Parkinsons.