Pharmacological Evaluation of the Antiparkinson Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Bombax ceiba Flowers in Experimental Models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalance. The present study evaluated the antiparkinsonian and neuroprotective potential of the ethanolic extract of Bombax ceiba flowers using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The plant material was standardized, extracted with ethanol, and subjected to phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography. The ethanolic extract showed an 8.33% yield and contained alkaloids and flavonoids. Among the evaluated fractions, the ethanol:ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity (83.89% inhibition at 500 µg/mL) with an IC₅₀ of 94.82 µg/mL, compared with 82.05 µg/mL for the standard. Acute oral toxicity evaluation according to OECD 423 indicated relative safety at lower doses, and 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were selected for pharmacological evaluation. Antiparkinsonian activity was assessed in Rotenone- and MPTP-induced PD models using Rotarod performance, neurotransmitter estimation, antioxidant enzymes, TNF-α, and histopathological examination. The ethanolic extract improved motor coordination, restored dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline levels, enhanced SOD and catalase activities, and reduced TNF-α levels. Histopathological findings demonstrated reduced neuronal degeneration and inflammatory changes, with greater neuroprotection at 400 mg/kg. Overall, the findings demonstrate significant antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antiparkinsonian potential of Bombax ceiba flowers.