THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION AGAINST 6-OHDA INDUCED PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor deficits and oxidative stress. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of a novel polyherbal formulation (PHF) comprising hydroalcoholic extracts of Bacopa monnieri, Convolvulus prostratus, Asparagus racemosus, and Nigella sativa (1:1:1:1) in a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of PD. Unilateral lesions were induced by stereotactic injection of 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle of male SD rats to induce dopaminergic degeneration and motor dysfunction. Lesion validation was performed using apomorphine-induced rotations, footprint analysis, and stepping tests. Experimental groups consisted of sham control, 6-OHDA control, and lesion groups treated with PHF (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) and standard drug L-DOPA+Benserazide (5+15 mg/kg, i.p.). PHF administration dose-dependently ameliorated 6-OHDA-induced motor impairments, as evidenced by improved performance in the rotarod, grip strength, catalepsy, pole climbing, hanging wire and open field test. Neurochemical analysis revealed that PHF restored striatal dopamine, its metabolites (DOPAC, HVA) and cellular ATP levels. The formulation exhibited significant antioxidant activity, elevating SOD, CAT, and GSH while reducing MDA and neuroinflammation by downregulating cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB, and reduced expression of α-synuclein. Histopathology confirmed neuronal preservation in PHF treated rats compared to lesion controls. These findings indicate that the formulation exerts neuroprotection through synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mechanisms. PHF demonstrates neuroprotective efficacy by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby restoring dopaminergic function and motor performance, warranting its further exploration as a promising therapeutic candidate for PD.