NEUROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF CARISSA CARANDAS ROOT AGAINST EXCITOTOXICITY MODEL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE IN RODENTS AND ZEBRAFISH

Background: Herbal plants or compounds from plant are used all over the world to treat different diseases. On of the advantage of using plant origin compound is negligible or lesser side effect.  Carissa carandas is well known plant used for many disorders including brain disorders. Though having many bioactive compounds its affect in Parkinson’s disease is unknown. Hence neuroprotective effect of Carissa carandas was explored in this study.

Methodology: Acute toxicity study was first performed in zebrafish. Parkinson’s disease was induced by Rotenone and behavioral parameters were evaluated on 3^rd day. Excitotoxicity was then induced using monosodium glutamate (MSG) in Wistar rats for 7days. On 8th day, readings of locomotor activity, neuromuscular strength, motor rigidity were recorded and on 9th day, biochemical parameters i.e., levels of dopamine, catalase and glutathione were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Results: The maximum tolerated extract dose was 100mg/L in zebrafish. The EECC was found to be neuroprotective as it reduces symptoms of Parkinson disease. This activity may be due to the ability of EECC to antagonize NMDA receptor and decrease the elevated Calcium level. Conclusion: An Ethanolic extract of Carissa carandas root showed promising effect in improving symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and hence can be used as a neuroprotective agent in near future.

Keywords: Carissa carandas, Excitotoxicity, NMDA, Calcium, Neuroprotective agent