Ethanol stem bark extract of <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria</i> ameliorates MPTP-induced Parkinson's Disease in Sprague- Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: Dopamine depletion, hypolipidemia and oxidative stress have been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective: The present study is to determine the effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria stem bark extract on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) -induced Parkinson's disease in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: The Parkinson's disease was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MPTP. After 72h of induction, the young adult male rats were treated with oral administration of stem bark ethanol extract of the plant daily for 2 weeks. The blood chemistry, antioxidant markers and brain dopamine levels were assayed.

Results: There were significant (p<0.01) increases in the brain dopamine levels, antioxidant and blood chemistry markers of rats administered the R. vomitoria stem bark extract. However, these varied significantly when compared to the standard drug (levodopa/cabidopa 6mg/kg). The ethanol stem bark extract of R. vomitoria increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase. Brain dopamine level and lipid profiles in the rats were also increased.

Conclusion: Data of the study indicated that the ethanol stem bark extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria may be useful in the management of Parkinson's disease.

Keywords: Rauwolfia vomitoria, MPTP, Parkinson's disease, antioxidant enzymes, dopamine