Sesamol Ameliorates the Motor Behavior in Rotenone- Induced Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is attributed to oxidative and inflammatory stress manifesting motor, cognitive and behavioral anomalies. Although current therapies focus on the restoration of dopamine levels, prevention or disease-modifying remedies are immediately needed. In this context, experiments were performed in male Wistar rats. They were segregated into five groups (n= 6): Group 1vehicle (DMSO in corn oil intraperitoneal + saline intraperitoneal), Group 2rotenone (3 mg/kg.B.wt intraperitoneal), Group 3rotenone + sesamol (50 mg/kg.B.wt intraperitoneal), Group 4rotenone + sesamol + L-DOPA (10 mg/kg.B.wt oral), Group 5rotenone + L-DOPA were administered for 60 days. The body weight was noted periodically. Motor activity was assessed on 60 th day by pole test, ladder climbing test and open field test. Administration of rotenone caused impaired ability to initiate movement. Significant reversal was observed with the administration of sesamol (P<0.01), L-DOPA (P<0.05) when compared to group 2. The maximal restoration in behavioral changes was observed in group 4 that received sesamol + L-DOPA combination (P<0.001) when compared to group 2. The results suggest that sesamol can be helpful in the management of motor behavior in Parkinson’s disease, but treatment along with L-DOPA is more effective.