Neuroprotective action of Smilax china ethanolic bark extract in treatment of a prominent aging disorder: Parkinson’s disease induced by rotenone

Background Tremors, psychological difficulties, mental health issues, depression, impulsive acts, and other behavioral abnormalities are all symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

Smilax china  ethanolic extract was tested for its anti-Parkinson's activity using a Wistar rat model of rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease.

Spectroscopic, acute toxicity and pharmacognostic analyses were performed.

Result Brownish, the bark of  Smilax china  included vascular bundles and fibers upon microscopic inspection and alkaloids, carbohydrates, and phenolic substances upon phytochemical analysis.

Acute toxicity testing as per Organization for Economic Corporation and Development 423 (OECD 423) on male Wistar rats revealed no harmful effects.

The biochemical analysis of rotenone-induced groups revealed a disproportion.

Improved body weight, mobility, coordination, and a lower incidence of catalepsy were seen in animals treated with  Smilax china  ethanolic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg).

Smilax china 200 mg/kg extract substantially lowered motor defects determined by catalepsy score using bar test 17.061.74/s against rotenone-induced group 67.593.27/s.

It also prevented the brain from oxidative stress by enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels to 5.440.01 units/mg protein compared to 2.050.104 units/mg protein in the rotenone-induced group.

The vagus nerve, substantia nigra, and basal ganglia of the treated groups indicated a reduction in inflammation and alpha-synuclein destruction.

Conclusion Based on our research, an ethanolic extract of  Smilax china  bark provides an effective antioxidant with promising neuroprotective properties in male Wistar rats induced with Parkinson's disease.

Graphical abstract