Purpose: The present study undertook an extensive evaluation of the antiparkinsonian effects of an extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds known to contain, among other components, 12.5% L-DOPA. Moreover, the neuroprotective efficacy of MP was evaluated. Methods and Results: Data obtained reveal how acute administration of MP extract at a dose of 16 mg/kg (containing 2 mg/kg of L-DOPA) consistently antagonized the deficit in latency of step initiation, adjusting step and in placement of the forelimb in vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing test induced by a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, whereas L-DOPA was equally effective only at doses of 6 mg/kg. Moreover, MP extract acutely induced a significantly higher contralateral turning than L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) when administered at dose of 48 mg/kg (containing 6 mg/kg of L-DOPA), suggested a significant antagonistic activity on both motor and sensory-motor deficits. Subchronic administration of both MP (48 mg/kg) and L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) induced sensitization of contralateral turning; however, L-DOPA induced a concomitant sensitization in AIMs suggesting that the dyskinetic potential of MP is lower than that of L-DOPA. MP (48 mg/kg) was also effective in antagonizing tremulous jaw movements induced by tacrine, a validated test reproducing parkinsonian tremor. Finally, in a subchronic mice model of MPTP-induced dopamine neuron degeneration, MP extract did not prevent either tyrosine hydroxylase decrease induced by MPTP or astroglial or microglial activation supporting the absence of neuroprotective effects by MP. Conclusions: Characterization of MP extract strongly support its antiparkinsonian activity, however, MP does not show neuroprotective properties in MPTP model of PD.
Assessment of symptomatic and neuroprotective efficacy of Mucuna pruriens seed extract in rodent model of Parkinson's disease
2010-01-01
Abstract
Purpose: The present study undertook an extensive evaluation of the antiparkinsonian effects of an extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds known to contain, among other components, 12.5% L-DOPA. Moreover, the neuroprotective efficacy of MP was evaluated. Methods and Results: Data obtained reveal how acute administration of MP extract at a dose of 16 mg/kg (containing 2 mg/kg of L-DOPA) consistently antagonized the deficit in latency of step initiation, adjusting step and in placement of the forelimb in vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing test induced by a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, whereas L-DOPA was equally effective only at doses of 6 mg/kg. Moreover, MP extract acutely induced a significantly higher contralateral turning than L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) when administered at dose of 48 mg/kg (containing 6 mg/kg of L-DOPA), suggested a significant antagonistic activity on both motor and sensory-motor deficits. Subchronic administration of both MP (48 mg/kg) and L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) induced sensitization of contralateral turning; however, L-DOPA induced a concomitant sensitization in AIMs suggesting that the dyskinetic potential of MP is lower than that of L-DOPA. MP (48 mg/kg) was also effective in antagonizing tremulous jaw movements induced by tacrine, a validated test reproducing parkinsonian tremor. Finally, in a subchronic mice model of MPTP-induced dopamine neuron degeneration, MP extract did not prevent either tyrosine hydroxylase decrease induced by MPTP or astroglial or microglial activation supporting the absence of neuroprotective effects by MP. Conclusions: Characterization of MP extract strongly support its antiparkinsonian activity, however, MP does not show neuroprotective properties in MPTP model of PD.
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