Abstract
In the present study, the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon (AECD) Pers. (Graminae) was evaluated for anti-parkinson’s activity in rats. The anti-parkinson’s effect of AECD was studied against rotenone (2 mg/kg, s.c.) - induced parkinsons in rats. In this study, chronic administration of rotenone in rats (28 days) produced motor dysfunctions like catalepsy and muscle rigidity along with a reduction in locomotor activity. Rotenone administration was also found to generate oxidative stress in the brain as evident from an increase in the level of TBARS and decrease in the levels of SOD and GSH. Pretreatment with AECD resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in catalepsy and muscle rigidity along with a significant (p < 0.001) increase in locomotion as compared to the rotenone-treated control group. AECD treated rats also showed a reduction in the TBARS level and an increase in the GSH, SOD and CAT levels; thus reducing the oxidative stress in the brain of animals. The study thus proved that Cynodon dactylon treatment significantly attenuated the motor defects and also protected the brain from oxidative stress, both induced by rotenone. These results strongly indicate the possible therapeutic potential of Cynodon dactylon as an antioxidant in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
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Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank The Director, Rayat Institute of Pharmacy (Punjab) for providing the necessary facilities for the research work. The authors would also like to thank Chemical Resources, Panchkula (H.R.) and Amsar Pvt. Ltd., Indore (M.P.) for providing gift samples of drugs.
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Sharma, N., Bafna, P. Effect of Cynodon dactylon on rotenone induced Parkinson’s disease. Orient Pharm Exp Med 12, 167–175 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-012-0075-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-012-0075-1