EXPLORING THE ANTI PARKINSONIAN POTENTIAL OF SOLANUM INCANUM: AN IN-VIVO APPROACH

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the neuroprotective and antiparkinsonian potential of ethanolic extract of Solanum incanum (EESI) against rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease models, assessing its effects on cell viability, oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, α-synuclein aggregation, motor behavior, and nigrostriatal neuronal integrity. Methodology: In vitro studies: Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with rotenone to model dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Cells were pretreated or co-treated with EESI and assessed for cell viability, markers of oxidative stress, and intracellular glutathione levels. In vivo studies: Wistar rats received rotenone to induce parkinsonian pathology. Animals were administered EESI at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Behavioral assessments for motor coordination were conducted. Brain tissues were analyzed for antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, α-synuclein expression, and histopathological evaluation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Results: In vitro: EESI significantly increased viability of rotenone-exposed SH-SY5Y cells and reduced oxidative stress parameters while restoring glutathione levels. In vivo: EESI-treated rats showed improved motor coordination compared with rotenone-only controls. EESI enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses, decreased lipid peroxidation, lowered α-synuclein expression, and preserved nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons on histopathology. Effects were dose dependent, with greater protection at 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Solanum incanum exhibited neuroprotective and antiparkinsonian effects in rotenone induced in vitro and in vivo models, likely via antioxidant, anti-aggregation, and neuroprotective mechanisms, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy for Parkinson’s disease.