Neuroprotective activities of Nepalese traditional medicine in Parkinson's Disease models

Neuroprotective activities of Nepalese traditional medicine in Parkinson's Disease models

Session: 
Poster Session
Author(s): 
de RUS Jacquet, Aurélie-Purdue University Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, West Lafayette, IN, USA
Rupa SUBEDI-Tribhuvan University, Central department of botany, Kathmandu, Nepal
Suresh K. GHIMIRE-Tribhuvan University, Central department of botany, Kathmandu, Nepal
Jean-Christophe ROCHET-Purdue University Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, West Lafayette, IN, USA

Nepal has a tremendous diversity of ecosystems and a blend of various traditional medicinal practices. The aim of the study is to identify and characterize medicinal plants used to treat symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Nepal. Three study areas were chosen for their ecological and cultural diversity, and two of these are included in conservation programs. We interviewed 56 participants and conducted open-ended interviews. We determined the informant consensus factor and the importance of specific plant species. We report the local uses of 35 plant species and identify a total of 8 plant species that were used similarly in all three research areas. Tinospora sinensis, a climber used to treat paralysis in two areas of study, shows exceptional neuroprotective activities in our cell culture models of PD. The ethanolic extract is able to rescue neuronal death triggered by environmental toxins and modulate the cellular antioxidant response.