Investigation of antiparkinsonian effect of Aloe vera on haloperidol induced experimental animal model

Abstract

Background: Aloe vera (Family: Liliaceae) has been used for the treatment of diabetes, skin disorders and as an anti-inflammatory agent. There is increased concern about the side effects of conventional medicine in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). As A.vera has found to have antioxidative property, it may be a safer alternative. Methods: Parkinson’s disease was induced by administering haloperidol (1 mg/kg i.p. daily x 1 week).The mice of either sex were divided into 06 groups (n =12). 1 st day group mice were given distilled water (orally), 2nd group were administered haloperidol (20 mg/kg i.p.).The 3rd, 4th and 5th groups were administered A.vera (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, orally) respectively, along with haloperidol. Group 6- received Levodopa (30mg/kg, i.p,) along with haloperidol. To evaluate anti-Parkinson effect, hanging wire test, tardive dyskinesia test and hole board test were performed on the1st day and 8th day. One way ANOVA was used to detect statistical significance followed by post-hoc Tukey test. Results: A.vera (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was found to increase the hanging time significantly (p 0.001) in hanging wire test and significantly decreased (p 0.001) the Vacuous Chewing Movements (VCMS) in tardive dyskinesia test as compared to haloperidol group. A.vera (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was found to significantly increase (p 0.001) the number of dips and no. of line crossings in hole board test when compared to haloperidol group. Conclusion: The results of the present study conclusively showed that A.vera has beneficial effect in haloperidol induced experimental model of Parkinson’s disease.