Volume : 13, Issue : 03, March – 2026

Title:

NEURORESTORATIVE, ANTIOXIDANT, AND NEUROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF CUCUMIS MELO L. VAR RETICULATUS PEEL AGAINST DOPAMINERGIC NEURODEGENERATION IN CHLORPROMAZINE INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Authors :

Pragyan Bharati*, Santosh Kumar Nayak, Bhargav Bhongiri

Abstract:

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor impairments such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Oxidative stress and depletion of endogenous antioxidants play a major role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the neurorestorative, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity of the methanolic peel extract of Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus against dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a Chlorpromazine-induced animal model of Parkinsonism. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and polyphenols. Acute toxicity studies conducted according to OECD guidelines indicated that the extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. Parkinsonian symptoms were induced in rats by chronic administration of chlorpromazine for 21 days. Behavioral parameters including catalepsy (bar test), locomotor activity (Actophotometer test), and motor coordination (rotarod test) were evaluated to assess the antiparkinsonian activity of the extract. In addition, biochemical parameters such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and nitrite levels were measured to determine oxidative stress in brain tissue. The results demonstrated that chlorpromazine administration significantly increased catalepsy and oxidative stress while decreasing locomotor and muscular activity. Treatment with methanolic extract of Cucumis melo var. reticulatus peel at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced cataleptic behavior, improved locomotor and motor coordination, and restored antioxidant levels by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing glutathione levels in brain tissue. the methanolic peel extract of Cucumis melo var. reticulatus exhibited significant neuroprotective and antioxidant activity against chlorpromazine-induced Parkinsonism in rats. The observed effects may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and protect dopaminergic neurons. These findings suggest that Cucumis melo peel may serve as a promising natural source for the development of therapeutic agents for the management of Parkinson’s disease.
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, Cucumis melo, chlorpromazine, neurodegeneration

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Pragyan Bharati et al., Neurorestorative, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity of cucumis melo l. Var reticulatus peel against dopaminergic neurodegeneration in chlorpromazine induced animal model of parkinson’s disease., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(03).

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