The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Rosemary )Rosmarinus officinalis) on Parkinson's Disease Induced by MPTP in Male Mice

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that causes progressive degeneration of neurons, and oxidative stress is increasingly implicated as a factor that contributes to its pathophysiology. Carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary, can scavenge free radicals in the brain and decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Thus, this study explored the effect of this plant on the improvement of Parkinson’s disease.

The study used 35 male mice that were randomly divided into five groups (n=7 mice each). A control group, a Parkinson's group induced by MPTP toxin, and three groups that received aqueous extracts of rosemary at doses of 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg were included in the study. Measurements were made of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase activity, muscle rigidity, and grip strength. Scores were calculated based on rotational behavior tests and scoring systems.

Rosemary treatment at doses of 150 and 200 mg/kg significantly changed the level of superoxide dismutase activity, muscle rigidity test and rotational behavior of animals relative to the MPTP group. Moreover, the dose of 200 mg/kg of rosemary significantly modified lipid peroxidation relative to the MPTP group, although lipid peroxidation was still significantly higher than the control group.

This study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Rosemary at a dose of 200 mg/kg can alleviate the signs of Parkinson’s disease and manage the disease.