Neuroprotective Effect of Selected Plants and their Formulation against Induced Neurodegeneration

Abstract

Drugs from plant source are considered to be safe and efficacious. Hydroethanolic extract Annona squamosa Linn., and Hydroethanolic extract Echinops echinatus Roxb., have been extensively explored for medicinal values. Even now these plants are been used by the tribal population for various ailments such as diabetes, sexual dysfunction, asthma, and wound. The scientific validation of these plants will open vistas is the drug discovery process. The presence of various phytoconstituents in the plant extract was identified by preliminary phytochemical screening. TLC and HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of various phytoconstituents. Total phenolic, flavanoid, ascorbic content in hydroethanolic extract Annona squamosa Linn., and Hydroethanolic extract Echinops echinatus Roxb., was quantified. In vitro antioxidant evaluation was done by DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and reducing power. Hydroethanolic extracts of Annona squamosa Linn., and Echinops echinatus Roxb., has shown antioxidant property which was comparable to that of the standard. Safety concerns of these plants were evaluated by acute toxicity hydroethanolic extracts of Annona squamosa Linn., and Echinops echinatus Roxb., at the dose level of 2000mg/kg has not produced any signs of behavioral toxicity and mortality. In the present study all the results and analysis confirm the neuroprotection status of both the plants. Hydroethanolic extracts of Annona squamosa Linn., Echinops echinatus Roxb., has produced significant neuroprotection at the dose level of 200mg/kg. As a comparison the formulation of both the plant at the dose level of 200mg/kg has a better neuroprotection against 6-OH Dopamine induced neurodegeneration. In conclusion the plants Annona squamosa Linn., and Echinops echinatus Roxb., will prove to be useful in the treatment of Parkinsonism and associated neurodegenerative disorders. Further studies are to be warranted in future. newline