Objective: The study focussed on the protective effects of decoction of aerial parts of the Aerva lanata against neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and locomotor deficits against a sporadic model of Parkinson’s disease in a Drosophila model.

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in pathophysiology of neurological disorders including motor disorders. Aerva lanata is indicated in Ayurveda, the Indian Medicine System, as an antiinflammatory agent for treating disorders affecting immune system. Decoction of aerial parts of plant is used for treating inflammatory disorders. However, no modern scientific data to ascertains its anti-neuroinflammatory properties. We set out to study anti neuroinflammatory, neuroprotective properties of Aerva lanata decoction in a PD model of Drosophila.

Method: Regimen1: Adult Drosophila were co-exposed to Aerva lanata decoction (filtered/dried) with Rotenone (100μM) for 5 days. Flies were monitored for mortality/walking disability/climbing disability and general locomotor behaviour. Terminally fly homogenates were assessed biochemically for markers of neuronal function, Dopamine, antioxidant status and neuro-inflammation. Regimen2: Second instar larvae of Drosophila were co-exposed to Aerva lanata decoction and ROT for 24h and assessed as regimen1.

Results: There was a significant protection against rotenone induced mortality/climbing inefficiency among adult Drosophila. General locomotor bevahior was greatly normalized with Aerva. Biochemical assessment revealed a marked amelioration among anti-inflammatory markers, antioxidant and neuronal markers. Hydroperoxides were greatly reduced by Aerva diet, while the cholinesterase activity levels were restored. Results were similar among larvae. ROT caused a significant reduction in general crawling behaviour among larvae, while Aerva co-exposure normalized the effect. There was a marked elevation in GSH levels among Aerva groups. Total antioxidant property of tissue homogenates were significantly increased in Aerva groups against Rotenone.

Conclusion: The data from this study strongly suggest a potent anti neuroinflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective properties of Aerva in vivo. Currently our lab is focussed on identifying possible effects of components of Aerva decoction on neurofilaments which have significant influence in progression of PD motor symptoms.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/aerva-lanata-decoction-alleviates-neuroinflammation-and-locomotor-dysfunction-in-parkinson-model/