Thymoquinone protects dopaminergic neurons against MPP⁺ and rotenone

Abstract

Thymoquinone is the main active constituent of Nigella sativa seeds with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. In the present study, primary dopaminergic cultures from mouse mesencephala were used to investigate the neuroprotective effects of thymoquinone against MPP(+) and rotenone toxicities. MPP(+) (10 microm on day 10 in vitro (i.v.) for 48 h) significantly decreased the number of THir by 40% compared with untreated control cultures. Rotenone at both short (20 nm on day 10 i.v. for 48 h) and long-term (1 nm on day 6 i.v. for 6 consecutive days) toxicities reduced the number of THir neurons by 33% and 24%, respectively. Treatment of cultures with thymoquinone (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 microm on day 8 i.v. for 4 days) rescued about 25% of THir neurons at concentrations of 0.1 microm and 1 microm against MPP(+)-induced cell death. Against rotenone, thymoquinone afforded significant protection in both short- and long-term models. In short-term rotenone toxicity, thymoquinone (from days 8-12 i.v.) saved about 65%, 74% and 79% of THir neurons at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 microm, respectively, compared with cell loss induced by rotenone. In long-term rotenone toxicity, concomitant treatment of cultures with thymoquinone significantly rescued about 83-100% of THir neurons compared with rotenone-treated cultures. In conclusion, the current study presents for the first time the potential of thymoquinone to protect primary dopaminergic neurons against MPP(+) and rotenone relevant to Parkinson's disease.

Effects of <i>Nigella sativa</i> Seed Extract on Perphenzine-Induced Muscle Rigidity in Male Mice

“…Some studies reported that Nigella sativa can be effective in the treatment of neurological diseases such as depression [7] [16]. Also, in one study, the protective effect of thymoquinone, one of the main chemicals in black seed on dopamine-producing cells against MPP+ and rotenone has been confirmed [8]. The results of this study confirmed usefulness of antioxidants existing in black seed; however, this hypothesis needs to be tested clinically.…”

“…Muscular rigidity (usually named catatonia) was determined using the method of Morpurgo (8). The development of muscle rigidity was observed and scored as follows: Stage 1, mice move freely when placed on the table, score allocated = 0; Stage, mice move only when touched or pushed, score allocated = 0.5; Stage 3, mice placed on the table with one of the front paws alternately on a 1cm high block.…”

“…According to some studies, it appears that this plant may have anti-depression and anti-Parkinson effects [7] [8].…”

In vitro prospective effects of various traditional herbal coffees consumed in Anatolia linked to neurodegeneration

“…Although various studies have been performed on antioxidant activity of black cumin extracts (Ilhan, Gurel, Armutcu, Kamisli, & Iraz, 2005;Mariod, Ibrahim, Ismail, & Ismail, 2009), we have not encountered any report evaluating cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory of the black cumin. On the other hand, thymoquinone, a main constituent in NS, was found to protect primary dopaminergic neurons against MPP(+) and rotenone relevant to Parkinson's disease (Radad, Moldzio, Taha, & Rausch, 2009) and, thus, TYRO inhibitory activity of the seed extract of NS could be searched since thymoquinone might be inhibiting this enzyme and being responsible for inhibitory effect of this extract. Previous papers on fatty acid composition of the black cumin oil, in which linoleic acid was established as the main fatty acid, were in accordance with our findings (Kokdil & Yilmaz, 2005;Nergiz & Otles, 1993).…”

Flavonoids from the leaves of Deguelia utilis (Leguminosae): structural elucidation and neuroprotective properties

“…Several studies attribute significant neuroprotective effects to flavonoid compounds, and this has been frequently associated with the antioxidant properties of these substances, [22][23][24] which could explain the observed cytoprotection effects of FR3 in our animal model of neurodegeneration. Thus, we propose that such an effect is related to the high contents of flavonoids present in the leaves.…”