Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Thyme on Movement Disorders, Depression and Pain Caused by the Injection of 6-Hydroxydopamine in Rat Model of Parkinson\'s

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease is a common neuropathological disorder caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thyme on movement disorders, depression and pain resulting from injections of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxy dopamine in Parkinson models in male rats. METHODS: In this study male Wistar rats weighing 250-300g were used and divided into five groups, eight rats per each group. The control group did not receive any lesion. Parkinson's Group (PD) received 6-OHDA (8 μg per rat in 2 μl saline) in the right anterior mid-brain (MFB). Third, fourth and fifth groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of thyme extracts through gavage feeding for 15days. Then behavioral tests including forced swim test, hot plate test, Rotarod test, Open filed test and Catalepsy test were done. RESULTS: Induction of PD by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine lead to depressive behavior, movement disorders and pain. Treatment of parkinsonian rats with thyme extract at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased tolerance to pain. (p<0.05). Thyme extract at a concentration of 400 mg/kg significantly improved motor symptoms in Catalepsy test (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thyme extract ameliorated pain and motor symptoms caused by Parkinson's in rats but had no effects on depression.

Keywords

• Parkinson
• thyme extract
• depression
• movement disorders