Comparative neuroprotective effects of Moringa oleifera, Mucuna pruriens, and milk thistle extracts in a rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease model: Behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological insights

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a complex neurodegenerative disorder, affects over six million individuals worldwide. It leads to motor and non-motor impairments. Despite persistent efforts to develop a cure for PD, researchers have not identified an effective treatment to halt disease progression or reverse neurodegeneration. This study investigates the neuroprotective efficacy of Moringa oleifera (More), milk thistle (MT), and Mucuna pruriens (Muc) aqueous extracts, both separately and in combination, in a rotenone-induced PD mouse model. PD was induced in male Balb/c mice with daily abdominal injections of rotenone (2.5 mg/kg) for 21 days. Mice received individual treatments of each plant extract (350 mg/kg) or combinations with and after PD induction. Body weight, neurological severity score (NSS), and behavioral studies were assessed to evaluate PD induction and treatment efficacy. Histological analysis and levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Among the three extracts, Mor extract was more effective, even more so than levodopa, in protection and restoration. These plant extracts could be a safe and effective alternative to conventional PD treatments.