Evaluation of Neuroprotective Activity of Melissa officinalis in MPTP Model of Parkinson’s Disease in Mice

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Melissa officinalis in MPTP model of Parkinson’s disease in mice. The whole plant material was extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol. All the above extracts were assayed for their antioxidant potential by In-vitro DPPH method. The antiparkinson’s activity of ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis was evaluated by actophotometer and rotarod test. The levels of catalase and SOD were estimated in cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum. The activity of complex-I was also estimated. Among the four extracts, ethanolic extract showed highest antioxidant potential in DPPH method so it was decided to use ethanolic extract for in-vivo studies. The ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis showed a significant and dose dependent effect at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg p.o. in both actophotometer and rotarod model. The ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis also showed a significant in-vivo antioxidant potential by restoring the levels of catalase and SOD. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate the potential antiparkinson’s properties of the ethanol extract.