Pharmacological investigation of Ocimum basilicum in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease rat model

This study examines the anti-Parkinsonian effects of Ocimum basilicum (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) against rotenone (1.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) caused Parkinson 's-like symptoms in rats. The prolonged therapy with rotenone for 28 days led to motor dysfunction in the rotenone group, as indicated by diminished rod retention time and prolonged stair ascent duration, alongside the induction of oxidative stress in the brain (elevated Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide levels, and decreased dopamine (DA) and glutathione (GSH) levels). The co-administration of O. basilicum and levodopa-carbidopa (100 mg/kg + 25 mg/kg orally) resulted in a significant enhancement of motor function (P < 0.001), evidenced by improved pole retention and decreased stair navigation time relative to the rotenone-treated group, exhibiting a dose-dependent response with optimal efficacy at 400 mg/kg. It also demonstrated a reversal in oxidative stress markers, hence diminishing neuronal oxidative stress. The DA level was examined, revealing an elevation in DA levels in animals treated with O. basilicum extract in conjunction with the conventional medication relative to the treatment group. The histopathological assessment revealed a substantial degree of neuronal degeneration in the rotenone group, which was dramatically reduced in the group co-treated with O. basilicum extract. The research demonstrated that the co-administration of O. basilicum extract and levodopa-carbidopa significantly safeguarded the brain against neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress. It mitigated motor impairments, suggesting the potential therapeutic efficacy Of O. basilicum as a neuroprotective drug in Parkinson's disease.