NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF OCIMUM SANCTUM, LINN. EXTRACT ON MPTP-INDUCED OXIDATIVE AND NITROSATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN MALE MOUSE BRAIN

The present study focuses on the 'antioxidant approach' as a therapeutic intervention for Parkinson's disease (PD). It deals with understanding of the effects of Ocimum sanctum extract on oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers, responsible for neurodegeneration. The standardized hydromethanolic extract of O.sanctum, Linn (Os HM) at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against MPTP induced Parkinsonism. Single divided doses of MPTP were used for induction of parkinsonism in male mice. L-DOPA rich and free fractions of Mucuna pruriens and Bromocriptine were considered as positive standards. The antioxidant effect and thus the neuroprotective potential was estimated based upon the levels of protein oxidation products, endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant pool of glutathione, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase and catalase. The results revealed that Os HM extract, particularly at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, significantly depleted the protein carbonyl content, restored the decreased levels of GSH. Os HM prevented the observed compensatory response with superoxide dismutase levels against MPTP treatment. It also significantly reduced the MPTP-induced nitric oxide therefore the nitrosative stress levels. Thus, the study demonstrated that Os HM can correct the disrupted homeostasis and redox imbalances due to excess reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by the neurotoxin MPTP.