Preclinical Evaluation of Tradescantia spathacea Phenolic Extract-Loaded Silica in a Parkinson’s Disease Model

The current limitations in Parkinson's Disease (PD) treatments necessitate innovative approaches. To this end, phenolic compounds from <i>Tradescantia spathacea</i> (<i>T. spathacea</i>) and bioactive silica demonstrate potential therapeutic efficacy in the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Hence, this study explores the neuroprotective potential of silica loaded with <i>T. spathacea</i> extract (SiO₂-TS) in a preclinical model of PD. The aqueous extract of <i>T. spathacea</i> (AETS) was prepared via infusion and characterized in terms of overall yield (21.9 ± 0.4%), total phenolic compounds (25.51 ± 2.39 mg GAE/g), and total flavonoid content (6.10 ± 0.16 mg RE/g). Silica loaded with AETS was synthesized and tested in adult Wistar rats (PD-like symptoms). The rats were treated with daily intranasal administration of SiO₂-TS (10 or 30 mg/kg) for 15 days. Quantitative behavioral analysis showed significant motor improvement and reduced anxiety-like behavior in the 30 mg/kg SiO₂-TS group compared to the 6-OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine) control. Immunohistochemistry revealed preserved dopaminergic neurons and reduced astrogliosis (GFAP expression) in the same SiO₂-TS group. These results suggest SiO₂-TS has significant neuroprotective effects and warrants further study for Parkinson's disease treatment.