Evaluation of antiparkinson activity of combination of aqueous extracts of Mucuna pruriens (L.) & Camellia sinensis (L.) in experimental animals

<p>Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor system, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the brain. Mucuna pruriens L. seeds are a natural source of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, which helps compensate for the dopaminergic deficit in PD & the leaves of Camellia sinensis L. contain epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that enhanced the bioavailability of L-DOPA by preventing its premature degradation and facilitating its passage across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Objective: The preset study was undertaken to investigate the antiparkinson activity of combination of aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens (L.) (AEMP) and Camellia sinensis (L.) (AECS) in experimental animals. Methods: Animals were divided into 8 groups (n=6). Group-1 received distilled water (5ml/kg, p.o.), Group-2 served as disease induced haloperidol (1mg/kg, i.p.), Group-3 as a standard control syndopa (10mg/kg, p.o.), Group 4 & 5 were administered AEMP (100mg/kg, p.o.) & AECS (50mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. Group 6, 7 & 8 were administered the combinations of AEMP: AECS, 30%:70%, 50%:50% and 70%:30%. Behavioural assessments included catalepsy and locomotor activity using catalepsy bar method and actophotometer respectively. Dopamine levels in brain tissue were measured, and histopathological analysis of brain was performed. Results: Administration of AEMP and AECS in combination, significantly reduced haloperidolinduced catalepsy and improved locomotor activity. The most significant therapeutic effect was observed in the group receiving a 70:30 AEMP: AECS. Mucuna pruriens (L.), a natural source of LDOPA, crosses the blood-brain barrier and restores dopamine levels by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation-related targets such as Nrf2, SOD, cAMP signalling, and ERK/MAPK cascades. Camellia sinensis (L.), is a multi-target agent, capable of modulating several key proteins involved in PD pathogenesis including alpha-synuclein (SNCA), caspases, NF-κB, BDNF, Nrf2, and Parkin. Biochemical analysis showed a marked restoration of dopamine levels in therapeutic groups. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the preservation of neuronal architecture and reduced neurodegenerative changes in extract-treated animals. Conclusions: The combination of aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens (L.) and Camellia sinensis (L.) significantly improved haloperidol-induced motor impairments and neurodegeneration in mice. Their synergistic effects, likely due to dopaminergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, highlight their potential as adjunct therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Further studies are warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms, assess long-term safety, and validate clinical relevance.</p>