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@article{190842,
        author = {AV KISHORE BABU and K.CHAITANYA and A. SRINIVASA RAO and R. RAMYA KRISHNA},
        title = {PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NEUROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT IN RATS},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {5215-5226},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190842},
        abstract = {Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress, and motor as well as non-motor dysfunctions. Centella asiatica, a traditional medicinal herb known for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, has gained attention for potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica extract in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).
Methods: Experimental animals were divided into five groups: Normal control, MPTP-induced Parkinsonism (negative control), standard drug treatment (Levodopa or Piracetam), and two doses of Centella asiatica extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). Behavioral assessments including Rotarod, Actophotometer, Forced Swim Test, Tail Suspension Test, and Hole Board test were conducted to evaluate motor and neuropsychiatric functions. Biochemical analyses assessed antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, Catalase, GSH), lipid peroxidation (MDA), total protein content, and neurochemical levels of dopamine, GABA, and serotonin in brain tissue.
Results: MPTP administration caused significant motor deficits, depressive-like behaviors, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter depletion, and reduced total protein content. Treatment with Centella asiatica extract notably improved motor coordination and exploratory behavior, reduced depressive symptoms, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, and normalized neurotransmitter levels in a dose-dependent manner. The high dose group showed effects comparable to the standard drug treatment.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that Centella asiatica extract exerts significant neuroprotective effects against MPTP-induced Parkinsonism, primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter modulatory actions. This supports its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for Parkinson’s disease and warrants further clinical investigation.},
        keywords = {Parkinsonism, neuroprotective effects, neurotransmitter depletion},
        month = {January},
        }