Development and Evaluation of Antiparkinsonian Potential of Ficus carica Phytosomes

Abstract

The symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD) are manifested in old life i.e., bradykinesia (slow movements), and stiffness or tremor. The study was focused on the phytosomal formulation of Ficus carica and its targeted evaluation for anti-parkinsonian efficacy. The fig is the edible fruit of the tiny shrub Ficus carica, which belongs to the Moraceae family of flowering plants. The fresh barks of Ficus carica was collected from Kukrail picnic spot, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The bark of Ficus carica plant was authenticated by the Prof. N. K. Pandey, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005, UP, India (plant voucher no. mora. 2023/1). The fresh barks of Ficus carica were cleaned, washed, and dried under shade. It was extracted through Soxhlet apparatus using hydroalcoholic (ethanol 10%: distilled water 1%) solution for 48 hours. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, HPTLC finger printing were determined. After pre-formulation study, the phytosomes of hydroalcoholic bark extract of Ficus carica were developed through Thin-layer hydration method. The phytosomes were characterized for Physical appearance, Particle size, PDI & Zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, In vitro drug release, SEM analysis, FTIR & NMR Spectroscopy. In group design, rats were kept separately into 3 groups (n = 6 each) and treated for 14 days, daily i.e., group 1: vehicle (distilled water), group 2: F1 (100 mg/ kg, p. o.) and group 3: F2 (100 mg/kg, p. o.). The Antiparkinsonian activity was evaluated by estimation of antioxidant enzyme parameters i.e., SOD, CAT and GSH. In results, the evaluation of bark extract of F. carica showed increasing level of antioxidant enzymes which may function as a natural source of anti-parkinsonian role. A dose-dependent increase was seen in facilitating the release of antioxidant enzymes i.e., SOD, CAT, and Reduced Glutathione by the hydroalcoholic bark extract of F. carica. In conclusion, it suggests to assess the safety and efficacy of F. carica’s hydroalcoholic bark extract as a potential natural neuromodulator and anti-Parkinson treatment. In order to improve bioavailability and pharmacological response, its physiologically active component would be added in an appropriate dosage form.