Assesment of Anti-Parkinsonian Activity of Different Extracts of Barleria prionities Root

The aim of the present study was to evaluate neuroprotective effec t of different extracts of Barleria prionities (BP ) roots (Acanthaceae) in MPTP (1-methyl,4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model. BP root extracts was administered at different doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (P.O) in different groups once a day for seven days and the first dose was given 30 min prior to first MPTP injection. Behavioural parameters were assessed on 1 st , 3 rd and 6 th day of treatment. The alcoholic extract at given doses significantly dose dependently increased the spontaneous motor activity, grip strength and alertness. Mice were sacrificed by decapitation and whole brain was analysed for dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, reduced glutathione level and lipid peroxidation. Alcoholic, aqueous and ethyl acetate extract of BP significantly (P<0.001) improved the bra in dopamine and other monoamines like norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin and also improved the reduced glutathione level and decreased the lipid peroxidation level as compared to MPTP control group in a dose dependent manner, while petroleum ether fraction had moderate effect. The r esults of the present study indicated that the alcoholic and aqueous extract of BP root possess significant neuroprotection which may be due to presence of L-dopa, flavonoids and phenolic compounds which might cross the b lood brain barrier.