Physiological and Biochemical Effects of Echium Amoenum Extract on Mn²⁺-Imposed Parkinson Like Disorder in Rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Environmental Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Manganism, a cognitive disorder, results from environmental manganese pollution.
• Manganese overexposure (Mn²⁺) primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to hippocampal damage.
• Oxidative stress and apoptosis are key mechanisms in manganese neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of *E. amoenum* extract against manganese-induced toxicity.
• To evaluate behavioral and physiological changes in rats exposed to manganese chloride (MnCl2).
• To analyze the impact of *E. amoenum* on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and catecholamine levels in the hippocampus.

Main Methods:

• Rats were administered two different doses of MnCl2.
• Behavioral tests, biochemical assays, immunoblotting, and histological studies were conducted on hippocampus tissue.
• Oxidative stress markers, caspase-3 activity, and catecholamine content were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Mn²⁺ overexposure significantly increased oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species production.
• Mn²⁺ induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial-dependent pathway, even at low doses.
• *E. amoenum* extract attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis, improved depression-like behaviors, and increased hippocampal catecholamine levels.

Conclusions:

• *E. amoenum* extract demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against manganese toxicity.
• The extract inhibits manganese neurotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
• *E. amoenum* may be considered a potential pre-treatment for Parkinson's and Parkinson-like disorders.