Comparison between Selegiline Drug and Herbal Product of SIM-2 in Neural Cells Protection

The aim of this study was to compare the neuroprotective effect of selegiline drug and herbal product of SIM-2. The left sciatic nerves of new born rats were axotomized in the middle of thigh, then they were divided to 3 groups, depend on the type of treatment as follow: 1) treated with selegiline, 2) treated with SIM-2, 3) injected by normal saline as control. Injections were continued for 21 days. After this period they were sacricified by transcardiac perfusion and Spinal cord was prepared for microscopic study. Total motoneurons counts were done in anterior horn of spinal cord and motoneurons reduction were calculated. Apoptosis in this neuron were studied by ultrastructure technique. Motoneurons reduction was decreased in the group which were treated with SIM-2 and increased in the control group. The ultrastructural study of mitochondria shows changes known as cromatolysis in two groups which were treated with selegiline and normal saline. Neuroprotective effect of SIM-2 is more than selegiline and farther more studies is necessary to recognize this.