Published Paper Details:

Abstract: Objective: The goal of the current study was to assess the effects of paraquat (PQ)-induced Parkinsonism in rats and the methanolic extract of rhizomes of Acorus calamus (MEAC) on that condition. Methods: In this study, three doses of MEAC (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) and standard Madopar (10mg/kg p.o)were daily administered to rat for consecutive 28 days and Paraquat was administered once a week by intraperitoneal route for 4 consecutive weeks .The effect of extract was monitored using various behavioural ,anti-oxidant and histopathological assessments . Researchers examined how the activity of various biomarkers of oxidative stress and brain aging changed over time. Results: The optimum anti-parkinsonian activity was observed at 400mg/kg group of animals. All the behavioural parameters like Catalepsy, Akinesia, No. of falls, immobile period, tremors were significantly elevated and rearing behaviour is declined in PQ treated animals. However, a dose-dependent protection of the activities was seen in the rats after pre-treatment with MEAC. When PQ was chronically administered, the levels of reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, which are indicators of oxidative stress, considerably dropped and lipid peroxidation significantly increased, according to biochemical analyses of the brain tissue. MEAC treatment improved various biochemical indicators and reduced lipid peroxidation. Following pre-treatment of rats with MEAC, a dose-dependent protection of activities was observed. Conclusion: The In vivo studies showed a dose dependent increase in neuroprotective activity against Paraquat induced Parkinsonism. It was established that MEAC therapy effectively reduced motor deficits and protected the brain from oxidative stress.