Purpose:
To evaluate the protective effects of
Cuminum cyminum Linn
(Apiaceae, CCY) against 1-
methyl-4 phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced oxidative stress and behavioral
impairments in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Methods:
MPTP-intoxicated mice model of PD was used for evaluating the effect of CCY extract on
behavioral deficits through rota rod, passive avoidance and open field tasks. The effect of CCY extract
on oxidative stress levels were assessed by estimating enzyme status, including superoxide dismutase
(SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) in brain tissues of MPTP-induced mice.
Results:
MPTP (25 mg/kg, i.p.)-treated mice resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) behavioral deficit in
locomotor behavior (from 56.24 ± 1.21 to 27.64 ± 0.94) and cognitive functions (from 298 ± 3.68 s to
207.28 ± 4.12 s) compared with their respective control groups. Administration of CCY extract (100, 200
and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) for three weeks significantly and dose-dependently improved (p < 0.001 at 300
mg/kg) locomotor and cognitive deficits in MPTP-treated mice. CCY treatment also significantly (p <
0.001 at 300 mg/kg) inhibited MPTP-induced decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide
dismutase and catalase) and lipid peroxides in mice brain tissues.
Conclusion:
CCY extract exhibits strong protection against MPTP-induced behavioral deficit through
enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Therefore, CCY may be developed as a therapeutic
strategy in the treatment of neurodegeneration seen in PD.
