Background: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive and selective loss of dopaminergic neurons. Purpose:  The study was designed with the aim of investigating the effect of Piper longum in experimental model of Parkinson's disease. Methods: Swiss albino mice were divided into the following 4 groups: group I received vehicle saline (0.25 ml); group II was treated with 20 mg/kg body weight of MPTP (2 dose with 2 h intervals); group III received MPTP along with 50 mg/kg body weight of Piper longum and group IV received 50 mg/kg body weight Piper longum. Results: MPTP induced mice showed vascular degeneration and cytoplasmic vacuolation in the brain tissue. In group II the specific activities of superoxide dismutase and, catalase were increased with increase in lipid peroxidation along with reduction in the activities of adenosine tri phosphatase. Conclusion: The oxidative stress and related biochemical alteration by MPTP were altered in Piper longum treatment. However, further studies are needed to assess the precise mechanism to support the clinical use of the plant as a source of antiparkinsonian drug.

doi : 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2010.170105

Competing interests: None.  Source of Funding: UGC

Received Date: 02 Nov 2009     Revised Date: 30 Nov 2009     Accepted Date: 15 Dec 2009