Elaeocarpus ganitrus: its beneficial antiparkinsonian effect in MPTP induced motor and non-motor impairments in mice

Abstract

Aim: Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Family: Elaeocarpaceae), has shown beneficial role in the treatment of depression, convulsions and asthma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antiparkinson effect of E.ganitrus. Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice of either sex were divided into 06 groups (n =12). 1 st group mice were given 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (orally), 2 nd group were administered MPTP (2 doses, each dose 20 mg/kg at 2 hr. interval, i.p.). Whereas 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th groups -were administered with E. ganitrus (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, orally), respectively, along with MPTP. Group 6-received Levodopa (30mg/kg, i.p,) along with MPTP. To evaluate anti-Parkinson effect, hanging wire test, tardive dyskinesia test and elevated plus maze test were performed on the1 st day and on 8 th day. One way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey test, with p<0.05 was considered statistical significant. Results: E.ganitrus (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was found to increase the hanging time significantly (p <0.001) in hanging wire test and significantly decreased (p <0.001) the Vacuous Chewing Movements (VCMs) in tardive dyskinesia test as compared to MPTP group. E.ganitrus (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was found to significantly increase (p <0.001) the no. of entries and time spent in open arm and significantly decreased the no. of entries and time spent in closed arm (p <0.001) compared to MPTP treated group. Conclusion: The results of the present study conclusively showed that E.ganitrus has beneficial effect in MPTP induced experimental model of Parkinson's disease.Levodopa remains the most efficacious drug in pharmacotherapy of Parkinson's disease. However, long-term use of levodopa causes disabling motor complications like dyskinesia's and on-off phenomenon. Because of the concern over the side effects of allopathic medicines, the use of natural products which may serve as better alternative to existing treatment needs to be explored. Thus, strategies employing antioxidant activity with lesser side effects from natural CODEN (USA): IJPB07