Behavioral, Biochemical and Histopathological effects of Standardised Pomegranate extract with Vinpocetine, Propolis or Cocoa in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Introduction Parkinsonism is a neurodegenerative disorder. Pomegranate (POM) has been previously shown to have a dopaminergic neuroprotective effect against Parkinsonism. Objective The aim of the current study is to compare the efficacy of POM, vinpocetine, Propolis, Cocoa or L-dopa using RT-induced Parkinsonism rat model. Methods Rats were divided into seven groups; one normal and five RT model groups. One of the RT (2.5 mg/kg sc) groups served as non-treated parkinsonism model whereas the others were treated with either L-dopa (10 mg/kg PO) or with POM (150 mg/kg PO) together with each of the following; vinpocetine (VIN) (20 mg/kg PO), Propolis (300 mg/kg PO), Cocoa (24 mg/kg PO). Motor and cognitive performances were examined using three tests (catalepsy, open-field, Y-maze). Striatal dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholinesterase, GABA, Glutamate, GSK 3B, BDNF levels were assessed as well as MDA, SOD, TAC, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOs and caspase-3. Also, histopathological examinations of different brain regions were determined. Results Treatment with L-dopa alone or with all POM combination groups alleviated the deficits in locomotor activities, cognition, monoamine levels, acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers as well as caspase-3 expression induced by RT. Conclusion Combinations of POM with each of VIN, Propolis or Cocoa have a promising disease-modifying antiparkinsonian therapy even without being given as an adjuvant to L-dopa.