Targeting oxidative stress and monoamine imbalance: neuroprotective potential ofDC ethanolic extract in a Parkinson disease-like model in.

Abstract

Exposure to pesticides is a risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, there has been an increase in research on natural products that can reduce this risk. The cactusDC is found in South America, South Africa, and China. When consumed as food or juice,exhibits medicinal properties with antitumor and cytoprotective effects on the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and heart, which are attributed to its high antioxidant content. However, its potential effect on diseases of the nervous system is unknown. The present study examined whether ethanolic extract frommight serve as a nutraceutical alternative against oxidative damage initiated by the pesticide rotenone using themodel of PD. Initially, toxicological assays were performed with the extract added at 0.01-0.1 mg/g of food over 7 days. Locomotor activity, survival rate, and assays for nitric oxide, free Fe, lipid peroxidation, total thiols, reactive oxygen species levels, cytotoxicity, and dopamine and serotonin levels were assessed. The rotenone-induced mortality rate was similar between sexes and was prevented byextract at 0.075 mg/g of food. Rotenone-induced modifications in locomotor activity, survival rate, and head dopamine and serotonin levels, as well as biochemical parameters, were reversed by one or both concentrations of extract. Data demonstrated for the first time that ethanolic extract ofexerted systemic and neuroprotective effects against rotenone insults. These findings suggest the need for further pharmacological studies examiningas a potential therapeutic intervention for PD prevention or treatment.