Neuroprotective potential of dombeya wallichii ameliorates Parkinson's activity in paraquat-induced Rat's model via modulation of neuro-inflammatory cytokines

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent age-related neurodegenerative condition that develops gradually and is observed in around 1 % of the elderly population. Lately, there has been an increasing curiosity about the possibilities of phyto-components for the treatment of PD due to their rich array of active compounds, notably antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Objective: Our objective was to assess the impact of an ethanolic extract from Dombeya wallichii, which has antioxidant properties, on the Parkinsonian rat's model. Material and methods: Rats received 10 mg/kg paraquat to assess its antiparkinsonian effects. They were treated with ethanolic extract of Dombeya wallichii (200, 400, 600 mg/kg) for 21 days, 1 h after paraquat. Behavioral aspects were evaluated before sacrifice. On day 22, rats were euthanized, and their bodies examined for changes in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase), neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholinesterase), mRNA expression and neuroinflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, nuclear factor kappa B, Interleukin-6). Results: The ethanolic extract of Dombeya wallichii reduced paraquat-induced motor deficits in the rotarod, hole board, akinesia, and forelimb hanging tests. It also improved biochemical and neuroinflammatory markers by lowering oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. q-RT-PCR revealed that D. wallichii downregulated α-synuclein, Interleukin-1β, nuclear factor kappa B, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, while mRNA expression indicated neuroprotection. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Dombeya wallichii could be a viable candidate for Parkinson's disease treatment, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.