Comparative effect of rosemary hydroalcoholic extract and selegiline on Parkinson's behavioral symptoms

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that is mainly associated with disruption of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Seleglin acts as a neuroprotector to improve Parkinson's symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Medicinal plants have been considered from ancient times to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease; however, the effective doses of these drugs are not known. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of rosemary and Seleglin on behavioral symptoms of Parkinson’s animal model.

Sixty mature mice in the weight range of 25 to 30g were divided into seven groups: control, Parkinson’s, Seleglin, and 50,100, and 200 mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of rosemary. In order to induce Parkinson's disease, rotenone poison was injected intraperitoneal in 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg doses every other day for 19 days. Control group received only rotenone carrier (dimethyl sulfoxide and sunflower oil) in 48 ml/kg dose. Rearing and bar behavioral models were used to evaluate the disease.

Hydro-alcoholic extract of rosemary in 200 mg/kg dose increased the duration of animal's presence on 10 cm bar significantly and the number of animal attempts in 20 cm glass cylinder which indicate reduction of Parkinson’s symptoms. Also, this dose increased movement activity of mice significantly.

According to results, rosemary’s extracts can affect Parkinson’s symptoms dose dependently.