Ameliorative and neuroprotective effect in MPTP model of Parkinson's disease by Zhen-Wu-Tang (ZWT), a traditional Chinese medicine.

Abstract Aim of the study Traditional Chinese medicine Zhen-Wu-Tang ( ZWT ) is a well-known PentaHerbs formula from “Treatise on Febrile Disease”. This study is to elucidate its neuroprotective effect and mechanism of ameliorative effect of the syndrome of Parkinson's disease (PD). Materials and methods The ameliorative effect of ZWT on symptom of PD through behavior tests including: swimming test, the tail suspension test and open-field test was investigated. The neuroprotective effect of dopaminergic neurons from the striatum and frontal cortex of brain was detected by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Results This study proved that ZWT could ameliorate the typical symptom of PD and protect dopaminergic system. Conclusion These results suggested that ZWT possessed protective and ameliorative properties of dopaminergic neurons.