Publication:

Effect of silybin in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced parkinsonism in mice

Background Parkinson disease (PD) is a major neurological disorder known since ancient times. Though drugs are available for therapy, still effective drug targeting the etiopathogenesis is always going on.

Methods After obtaining permission from animal ethics committee, the mice were divided into four groups of eight each (normal control, experimental control with normal diet only, silybin 300mg/kg, silybin 600mg/kg). At the end of 55 days the mice were subjected to overnight fasting followed by plasma and liver biochemical analysis.

Results The mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) developed motor dysfunction and behavioural changes similar to PD, which was tested with rotarod test, photoactometer test and hang test which revealed the impaired performance, hypo-locomotion and impaired neuromuscular strength respectively. Treatment with silybin reversed the motor dysfunction significantly (p≤0.001) in a dose dependent manner. Biochemical analysis measured the oxidant (TBARS, SOD, CAT) and antioxidants (GPx and GSH) which revealed the oxidant activity of MPTP and antioxidant activity of silybin. Histopathological evaluation showed the cytoprotective effect of silybin.

Conclusions Silybin by its antioxidant property has a neuroprotective activity both in motor activity and behaviourally in the MPTP induced Parkinson disease in mice. Hence present study offers a conclusive evidence that silybin is a neuroprotective. Diet supplemented with silybin can protect against neurodegenerative disorders and prevent the progression of neurodegeneration.