Neuroprotective Effects of Celastrus paniculatus Seed Oil in Rotenoneinduced Parkinson's Disease in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and cognitive impairments associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Celastrus paniculatus (CP), Jyothshmati, possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of CP in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD and explored its mechanisms using network pharmacology.

Materials and methodology: PD-like neurotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats (180-200g) by subcutaneous administration of rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) on alternate days for 28 days. CP was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg throughout the study period. Behavioural assessments evaluating locomotor activity, exploratory behaviour, motor coordination, muscle strength, balance, anhedonia, and recognition memory were performed between days 15 and 28. On day 29, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine levels were estimated using ELISA. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were assessed in the hippocampus and striatum. Network pharmacology analysis was also conducted.

Results: Rotenone administration produced significant motor and cognitive deficits, increased lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and decreased hippocampal BDNF and striatal dopamine levels. CP treatment significantly improved behavioural performance, restored antioxidant defences, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced neurochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that Celastrus paniculatus modulates multiple targets and signalling pathways related to oxidative stress, neuroprotection, and dopaminergic neurotransmission.

Discussion: The neuroprotective effects of CP may be attributed to its antioxidant, neurotrophic, and dopaminergic regulatory actions. Restoration of antioxidant status and dopamine levels contributed to improvements in motor and cognitive functions.

Conclusion: Celastrus paniculatus exhibited significant neuroprotective activity against rotenone- induced Parkinsonian alterations, suggesting its potential as a complementary prophylactic neuroprotective strategy for Parkinson's disease.