Berberis vulgaris alleviates Levodopa-induced dyskinesia in male mice

FAEZEH MOKARIAN, HAMIDREZA FAMITAFRESHI, MAHSA HADIPOUR JAHROMY

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease is a chronic debilitating disease and many patients use Levodopa as a major treatment. However, this drug in long-term use causes a serious condition that is known as Levodopainduced dyskinesia (LID). Berberis vulgaris (BV) has been known to be a good potential medication for neurologic diseases such as movement disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness of BV for LID in mice. Material and methods: In this study, 48 adult male mice were randomly divided into six groups: 1) saline group, 2) MPTP + LID, 3) MPTP + LID + BV (5 mg/kg), 4) MPTP + LID + BV (10 mg/kg), 5) MPTP + LID + BV (20 mg/kg). MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) (30 mg/kg/ day/i.p.) was used to induce Parkinson's disease and Levodopa (50 mg/kg/day/i.p.) was used to induce LID. After induction of LID, mice received intraperitoneally (i.p.) different dosages of BV for 25 days. To investigate movement disorder improvement (dyskinesia), AIMS (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) and cylinder tests were used. Results: Mice that received BV at dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day showed improvement in AIMS and the cylinder test. Conclusion: BV is a useful drug for treating LID. So, parkinsonian disease patients may get a beneficial effect after treatment with BV for LID.
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