Comparative Assessment of Polyherbal Formulation and Mucuna pruriens Extract as Neuroprotectant by Using MPTP Screening Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Background: The main aim of the study was to compare the neuroprotective potential of Polyherbal Formulation (PHF) with that of an extract of a well-reported anti-parkinson plant, i.e., Mucuna pruriens. Methods: Different PHF combinations (PHFs) were formulated by using hydro-alcoholic extracts and were tested for neuroprotective potential against Mucuna pruriens extract (MPE). In the experimental study, 30 albino mice (Swiss strain, 35-45g) were grouped into Control, MPTP, MPTP+ MPE, MPTP+PHFs, MPTP+ L-DOPA groups. Experimental mice were given PHFs and MPE (50 mg/kg body wt.) by intraperitoneal routes. MPTP (1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) was given orally for 2 weeks with prior use of PHFs and MPE 20 mg/kg body wt. for 2 weeks. After treatment, a neurobehavioral study was performed as well as neurochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: The results showed that polyherbal formulation improved the performance of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain compared to MPE with respect to MPTP intoxication. A significant reduction was found in spontaneous locomotor activity and rotarod activity in MPTP treated mice in contrast with the control group, in whom these activities were restored by MPTP+MPE and MPTP+PHF1; however, this contrasted with the standard L-Dopa treatment group. This improvement was observed to be significantly better in the MPTP+PHF1 treated group compared to the treatment group of MPTP+MPE. The changes in different parameters occurred after the MPTP treatment. These changes were observed in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Conclusion: The study concluded that PHF treatment promotes significant neurogenesis, reduces apoptosis, promotes antioxidant capacity, and restores dopamine levels. PHF contains numerous classes of chemical constituents, which show a synergistic effect for better therapeutic remuneration and neuroprotection compared to the single chemical entity L-DOPA, which is a well-known chemical constituent present in MPE.</P>