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The neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera root extract in MPTP-intoxicated mice: An analysis of behavioral and biochemical varibles

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters volume 12, pages 473–481 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

We studied the influence of Withania somnifera (Ws) root extract (100 mg/kg body weight) on parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP; i.p, 20 mg/kg body weight for 4 days), via the analysis of behavioral features and the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in the midbrain of mice. A significant alteration in behavior, increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were noticed in this region of brain in MPTP-treated mice. Oral treatment with the root extract resulted in a significant improvement in the mice’s behavoiur and antioxidant status, along with a significant reduction in the level of lipid peroxidation. The results indicated that at least part of the chronic stress-induced pathology may be due to oxidative stress, which is mitigated by Ws. Further studies are needed to assess the precise mechanism to support the clinical use of the plant as an antiparkinsonic drug.

Abbreviations

CAT:

catalase

MPTP:

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydro-pyridine

PD:

Parkinson’s disease

SOD:

superoxide dismutase

TBARS:

thiobarbituric acid reactive substances

Ws:

Withania somnifera root extract

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Annamalai University Annamalainagar, 608 002, India

    Srinivasagam Raja Sankar & Arumugam Krishnamurti

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, 608 002, India

    Thamilarasan Manivasagam

  3. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, 608 002, India

    Manickam Ramanathan

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  1. Srinivasagam Raja Sankar
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Correspondence to Srinivasagam Raja Sankar.

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Sankar, S.R., Manivasagam, T., Krishnamurti, A. et al. The neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera root extract in MPTP-intoxicated mice: An analysis of behavioral and biochemical varibles. Cell Mol Biol Lett 12, 473–481 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11658-007-0015-0

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