Antiparkinsonian effects of Indian spice Amomum subulatum fruit extract by modulating the behavioural, inflammatory markers, antioxidant, and histopathology parameters in rats

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra followed by dopamine depletion in the striatum. PD usually affects people over 50; when those under 50 are involved, it is generally referred to as early-onset PD. The present study aimed to understand and explain the role of the typical Indian spice, greater cardamom, against parkinsonism and related complications. The methanolic extract of Amomum subulatum has flavonoids as the major phytoconstituent and may be a beneficial adjuvant in treating PD. Amomum subulatum fruit extract (ASFE) was given as treatment to the rats at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, muscular rigidity, catalepsy, locomotor activity, and grip strength, were examined by several behavioural tests. Treatment with ASFE showed a significant decrease in all the symptoms of PD. Enzyme assays revealed a reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, Catalase, and GSH after administering reserpine and increased levels after treating ASFE. ASFE causes dopaminergic neuron regeneration after reserpine induces injury, thus increasing dopamine levels and restoring cellular damage. The inflammatory biomarkers revealed decreased proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. In contrast, increase in the level of IL-10, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. The histopath studies showed reduced cell damage occurring in PD after the treatment with ASFE. The present investigation highlights the role of greater cardamom from the Indian kitchen to ethnopharmacology in progressive neurological degeneration.