Antiparkinson activity of the Ethanolic Extract from Holarrehena antidysentrica Leaves test in Swiss albino mice

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent synucleinopathy neurodegenerative condition that affects 160/100,000 people in Western Europe and rises to 4% of the population over the age of 80. As the population ages, managing PD is expected to become a more significant and difficult part of neurology and general healthcare professionals.

The study investigates the anti-Parkinson's potential of the ethanolic extract of Holarrehena antidysentrica (HEE) through its effects on motor coordination, spontaneous motor activity, catalepsy, dopamine concentration, and catalase levels in haloperidol-induced PD models. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of HEE confirmed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, fixed oils, and glycosides. The haloperidol control group exhibited significant motor deficits, reduced dopamine levels, increased oxidative stress, and severe catalepsy, indicative of Parkinsonian symptoms.

Treatment with bromocriptine and HEE, particularly at a high dose (500 mg/kg), significantly improved motor coordination, reduced catalepsy, and enhanced spontaneous motor activity. Additionally, HEE treatment restored dopamine concentrations and increased catalase activity, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress. The findings suggest that the anti-Parkinson’s activity of Holarrehena antidysentrica is likely due to its antioxidant properties, particularly from its flavonoid constituents.

The study highlights the potential of Holarrehena antidysentrica as a therapeutic agent for PD, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing the most promising results. To precisely understand the processes behind its neuroprotective properties, more research is necessary.