Neuroprotective effect of Mauritia f lexuosa on a unilateral 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson’s disease in rats; Efeito neuroprotetor de Mauritia flexuosa em uma doença de Parkinson unilateral induzida por 6-OHDA em ratos; Efecto neuroprotector de Mauritia flexuo

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder character-ized by motor and cognitive impairments, primarily due to the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. While there is currently no treatment to halt neuronal loss, evidence suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants may mitigate oxidative stress and disease progression. Aims: This study sought to investigate the neuroprotective effects resulting from the oral administration of ethanolic extract of Maurita flexuosa over a 21-day period, at doses of 1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg. Methods: Initially, antioxidant activity assays revealed significant levels of various antioxidants, including β-carotene, gallic acid equivalent, and quercetin. A PD animal model was then induced via stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the striatum, with apomorphine-induced rotation tests used for model validation. Motor behavior assessments were performed using open field tests and beam walking tests. Results: The open field test indicated improved motor behavior in the 1 mg/kg group compared to the 6-OHDA group. However, neuro-histological analysis via Western blot testing revealed potential neurotoxic effects associated with the 100 mg/kg treatment dose. Conclusions: Chronic administra-tion of 1 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Maurita flexuosa over 21 days demonstrated potential improvements in locomotion in a 6-OHDA-induced PD model. None-theless, a notable limitation of the study lies in the 6-OHDA model’s failure to induce the expected level of damage in the striatum and substantia nigra, achieving only 29% damage, whereas a total PD model typically requires 70% damage for optimal replication.