Pharmacological Screening of Decaffeinated Tea Extract to Explore Potential Adjuvant Therapy in Parkinsonism.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a consequence of specific progressive neurodegeneration of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neuron resulting depletion in Dopamine (DA). Ldopa is first line DA replacement therapy. Caffeine and Antimuscarinic agents are effective adjuvant in PD management. Caffeine is given to counteract the adverse effects of anticholinergics. Caffeine is considered as a very safe psychostimulant. Contrary, higher doses of Caffeine associated with tachycardia, nausea and vomiting. Anticholinergics at therapeutic doses produce amnesia and cognitive impairment, particularly intense in elderly with preexisting neurodegenerative disease. Little is known about association between caffeine use, toxicity and dependence and risk of common psychiatric and substance use disorder. In present study, Decaffeinated Tea Extract (DTE) has been screened for antimuscarnic and anticataleptic activity. The results indicate that DTE significantly inhibited Ach-induced contractions and Haloperidolinduced catalepsy. The effects are comparable to Atropine & Caffeine. As per our study findings, decaffeinated tea is an effective option as an adjuvant as compared to Caffeine and Atropine.