Synergistic effect of Mucuna pruriens and Withania somnifera in a paraquat induced Parkinsonian mouse model

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of rigidity, resting tremors and postural instability. Recently, the focus of PD’s treatment has shifted towards herbal medicines. Mucuna pruriens (Mp) and Withania somnifera (Ws) are traditional herbal medicines known to have neuro-protective effects due to the L-DOPA present in Mp seed powder and withanoloides present in Ws root extract. Here, the synergistic effect of Mp and Ws in Parkinsonian mice induced by chronic exposure to paraquat was evaluated. Co-treatment with Mp and Ws for 9 weeks, significantly decreased the elevated nitrite levels and lipid peroxidation found in Parkinsonian mice. In behavioural tests, Mp and Ws treated mice showed a significant decrease in the time taken to cross a narrow beam, an increase in the time of stay on drum in rotarod test and an improvement in the hanging time. Furthermore, it was found that the use of Mp and Ws considerably improved the tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantianigra region of the brain. The results suggest that Mp and Ws may provide a platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies for PD.