Neuroprotective Evaluation of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles of Magnolia Champaca and Origanum Majorana in A Haloperidol-Induced Parkinson's Disease Model in Wistar Rats

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally, is characterized by motor dysfunction due to dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. With an alarming increase in global prevalence, projected to reach 25.2 million cases by 2050, there is an urgent need for disease-modifying therapies. This study evaluates the neuroprotective potential of NP-MCOM, a novel green-synthesized silver nanoparticle formulation derived from Magnolia champaca flowers and Origanum majorana extracts, in a haloperidol-induced Parkinsonian rat model. Behavioral assessments, including catalepsy, dyskinesia, locomotor, and coordination tests, demonstrated significant, dose-dependent motor improvement at both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of NP-MCOM, with higher efficacy at the 400 mg/kg dose. Biochemical analyses revealed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, catalase, glutathione), suggesting potent antioxidative properties and mitigation of oxidative stress, a known contributor to PD pathogenesis. NP-MCOM’s therapeutic effect was comparable to standard levodopa/carbidopa treatment, highlighting its potential to offer both symptomatic relief and neuroprotection. These findings support the continued development of NP-MCOM as a promising, plant-based nanotherapeutic for Parkinson’s disease, warranting further mechanistic and clinical investigation.