Title:The Role of Ocimene in Decreasing α-Synuclein Aggregation using
Rotenone-induced Rat Model
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
Author(s): Ankul Singh Suresh, Aarita Sood and Chitra Vellapandian*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar,
Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords:
Ocimene, rotenone, L-dopa, α-synuclein, AchE, D2 receptor.
Abstract:
Background: Parkinson’s disease is defined by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in
the midbrain of substantia nigra associated with Lewy bodies. The precise mechanism is not
yet entirely understood.
Objective: The study aims to determine whether ocimene has antiparkinsonian activity by reducing
α-Synuclein aggregation levels in the brains of rotenone-induced rat models.
Methods: 36 male rats were used for six groups, with six animals in each group. Vehicle, control
(rotenone, 2.5 mg/kg, i.p), standard (L-Dopa, 10 mg/kg, i.p), Test drug of low dose (66.66
mg/kg, i.p), medium dose (100 mg/kg, i.p), and high dose (200 mg/kg, i.p) were administered to
the rats. The open field, actophotometer, hanging wire, and catalepsy tests were used to assess
the rat’s motor performance. The expressions of biomarkers such as AchE, D2 Receptor, and α-
Synuclein were evaluated, and their level of expression in the brain samples was checked using
ELISA. Histopathological analysis was also carried out to determine the degree of neuron degeneration
in the brain samples.
Results: The open field test showed significant anxiety levels, whereas test groups showed
fewer anxiety levels but increased motor activity. The biochemical tests revealed that rotenonetreated
rats had higher levels of AchE, but ocimene-treated rats had a significant decrease in
AchE levels. The test drug-treated rats also expressed high levels of D2 receptors. In ocimenetreated
rats, α-Synuclein aggregation was reduced, however, in rotenone-treated rats' brain samples,
higher clumps of α-Synuclein were observed.
Conclusion: Ocimene has neuroprotective properties. As a result, this essential oil might be
helpful as a therapeutic treatment for Parkinson's disease.
