Volume17,Issue2

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairment including muscle imbalance and mask-like face along with dementia as a potential secondary symptom. Understanding changes with time in its etiology, diagnosis and treatment is vital for improving the treatment options for parkinsons disease. Current therapeutic strategies focus on symptomatic relief and neuroprotection. In this review, the data is gathered from various reputable sources like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, The Lancet, Web of Science, Crossref, Embase etc. to deepen understanding of the disease, advancement  in its treatment and to identify emerging trends in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. PD affects over 10 million people globally, with prevalence expected to double by 2040 due to aging populations. In India the prevalence range from 15-43% per 1,00,000 suggesting that India may have the highest absolute number of PD patients globally. The prevalence suggests the need for multidisciplinary approaches to address challenges and optimize care for PD patients.

In the present study, hydroalcoholic extract of Clerodendrum serratum leaves was investigated for its potential to reverse some features of bronchial asthma in ovalbumin-induced murine model of asthma. Clerodendrum serratum commonly called bharangi, (family Solanaceae) is a well-known anti-allergic drug in Asian folk system of medicines. In the present work, pharmacological studies are done to provide scientific evidence for therapeutic potential of plant in allergic asthma. Asthma was induced in experimental rats with allergen suspension of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide followed by treatment with dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg, po) or C. serratum leaves extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, b. w., po). Biomarkers of inflammatory response including cell counts, immunoglobulin E, cytokines such as interleukin (IL) -4, -5, -1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leukotriene (LTD-4), and nitrite concentration in blood as well as bronchial (BAL) fluid were tested. Lung functions in asthmatic and treated animals were evaluated as breathing rate and tidal volume. Treatment with C. serratum extract markedly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05) diminished infiltration of inflammatory cells, IgE, cytokines, and nitrites in blood serum and bronchial fluid. Improvement in lung functions (p < 0.05) of asthmatic animals after CSE treatment also supports our findings. Results of the study suggest therapeutic potential of C. serratum in allergic asthma that can be related to ability of plant to attenuate response of inflammatory cells and thereby, production of inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines in airways.