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. 2025 Mar 11:2025:6606560.
doi: 10.1155/bn/6606560. eCollection 2025.

Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Potential of Sutherlandia frutescens in a Rotenone-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Lilit Darbinyan  1 , Karen Simonyan  2 , Larisa Manukyan  1 , Vaghinak Sarkisian  1 , Lusya Hovhannisyan  3 , Lilia Hambardzumyan  1
Affiliations

Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Potential of Sutherlandia frutescens in a Rotenone-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Lilit Darbinyan et al. Behav Neurol. .

Abstract

Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) is a plant used traditionally in South Africa for various health conditions, including neurological disorders. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in motor symptoms. Rotenone, a pesticide, has been linked to PD-like symptoms in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, SF-specific effects of SF on PD-related symptoms have not been extensively studied. This study was aimed at investigating the potential neuroprotective effects of SF against rotenone-induced PD using in vivo electrophysiological recordings from the hippocampus and an open-field test to assess motor behavior. Rats were divided into three groups: a control group receiving sunflower oil, a rotenone group treated with rotenone (2.0 mg/kg), and an SF group treated with hydroponically grown SF extract. Electrophysiological recordings from the hippocampus were conducted to assess neuronal activity, and an open-field test was used to evaluate motor behavior. Rats treated with SF exhibited significantly higher motor activity compared to both the sunflower oil and rotenone groups, suggesting an activating effect of SF on motor behavior. In contrast, the rotenone group displayed reduced activity levels and exploratory behavior, highlighting the suppressive impact of rotenone on motor function. These findings suggest that SF modulates hippocampal neuronal activity and may offer neuroprotective benefits against rotenone-induced PD-like symptoms. SF, a plant with traditional medicinal applications, shows potential in modulating motor behavior and hippocampal neuronal activity in a rotenone-induced PD model. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the clinical relevance of SF in PD management.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; Sutherlandia frutescens; in vivo electrophysiology; open-field test.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Histograms of peristimulus frequency of spike activity and the percentage distribution of response types in hippocampal neurons following HFS of the EC in the rotenone (R) group are presented. Real-time spike distribution is shown: BE, PE, and during HFS (TT).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Histograms showing peristimulus spike activity frequency and the percentage distribution of response types in hippocampal neurons in the control + Sutherlandia (CSF) group following high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the entorhinal cortex (EC). Spike frequencies are presented for three intervals: before stimulation (BE, 20 s), during HFS (TT, 1 s at 100 Hz), and poststimulation (PE, 20 s). Mean spike frequencies are labeled as MBE, MTT, and MPE, respectively. The blue line represents the amplitude discriminator used for spike selection. The percentage distribution of excitatory and inhibitory hippocampal neuronal responses is illustrated, reflecting diverse activity patterns in response to HFS.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Histograms of peristimulus frequency of spike activity and the percentage distribution of response types in hippocampal neurons following HFS of the EC in the sunflower oil (SO) group are presented. Real-time spike distribution is shown: BE, PE, and during HFS (TT).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Histograms of peristimulus frequency of spike activity and the percentage distribution of indicated types of responses in hippocampal neurons in the Sutherlandia-treated (RSF) group following HFS of the EC are presented. Spike distribution is shown in real time for three intervals: BE, during HFS (TT), and PE. The percentage ratio of hippocampal neurons (from the total number of recorded neurons) exhibiting excitatory and inhibitory responses is also presented.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Protective activity in rats after treatments using open-field test: (a) heat map, (b, c) total distance traveled, and (d) number of crossings. Data are presented as means ± SEM. Statistical significance is indicated as ∗p < 0.05 and ∗∗p < 0.01.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Hydroponic Sutherlandia: a practical method for growing Sutherlandia hydroponically.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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