Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of rotenone, a pesticide associated with Parkinson’s-like symptoms, and Sutherlandia frutescens (SF), a plant with potential health benefits, on rat models of Parkinson’s Disease.

Background:

Rotenone exposure has been linked to the development of symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Sutherlandia frutescens has shown promise in providing various health benefits and neuroprotective effects.

Method:

In this study, we utilized in vivo electrophysiological recordings and an open field test to assess the effects of SF on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in rats. Rats were divided into three groups: SF-treated, sunflower oil-treated (control), and rotenone-treated.

Results:

SF-treated rats exhibited significantly higher activity levels compared to both the sunflower oil and rotenone groups, as observed by in vivo electrophysiological recordings and the open field test. Conversely, the rotenone group showed lower activity levels, indicating suppression of motor function.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that SF may have an activating effect on hippocampal neuronal activity, potentially offering neuroprotection against Parkinson’s disease. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of SF in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

The research was supported by the Armenian National Science and Education Fund (23AN:NS-biochem-2925).

References: 1. Betarbet, R., Sherer, T. B., Mackenzie, G., Garcia-Osuna, M., Panov, A. V. and Greenamyre, J. T. (2000). Chronic systemic pesticide exposure reproduces features of Parkinson’s disease. Nat. Neurosci. 3, 1301-1306.
2. Aboyade OM, Styger G, Gibson D, Hughes G. Sutherlandia frutescens: the meeting of science and traditional knowledge. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Feb;20(2):71-6.
3. Darbinyan LV, Hambardzumyan LE, Simonyan KV, Chavushyan VA, Manukyan LP, Badalyan SA, Khalaji N, Sarkisian VH. Protective effects of curcumin against rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease: in vivo electrophysiological and behavioral study. Metab Brain Dis. 2017 Dec;32(6):1791-1803.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-protective-effect-of-sutherlandia-frutescens-in-a-rotenone-induced-rat-model-of-parkinsons-disease/