Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Artemisinin in a Rotenone-induced Mice Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Background : Parkinson ' s disease (PD) is characterized by motor dysfunctions, including tremors, rigidity, and brady-kinesia. Medications for PD alleviate motor symptoms rather than targeting disease pathogenesis. Recently discovered features of artemisinin suggested that it might be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Objective : To explore the possible neuroprotective effect of artemisinin in different doses in a rotenone-induced model of PD. Materials and methods : A total of 25 mice were randomly divided into fi ve groups: group 1, negative control; group 2, positive control; and groups 3, 4, and 5, artemisinin treated (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg, respectively). For PD induction, rotenone (3 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally for 42 days (6 weeks). Behavioral assessment (open fi eld and parallel rod tests) was performed twice: after 3 weeks of induction and at the end of the study (after 6 weeks). After scari fi cation, an immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra pars compacta was conducted. Results : Artemisinin administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg produced more pronounced signi fi cant protective effects compared with other diseased and treated groups as guided by behavioral assessment tests and immunostaining analysis. Conclusions : Artemisinin showed a promising protective effect in the rotenone-induced PD model. Further research studies are needed to validate this effect.