title: The neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera root extract in MPTP-intoxicated mice: an analysis of behavioral and biochemical variables.
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 behavior 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Annamalai University Annamalainagar, 608 002, India. anatomysrs@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Srinivasagam Raja
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Sankar
authors.forename: Thamilarasan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Manivasagam
authors.forename: Arumugam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krishnamurti
authors.forename: Manickam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramanathan
mesh_terms: D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000201:enzymology; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D045442:Rotarod Performance Test; D032341:Withania / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine