Research Projects

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a growing neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 9 million people by 2030. It is characterized by movement disorders caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Current treatments, such as long-term drugs like L-DOPA, are ineffective or have side effects. To address this, researchers are exploring the potential of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, to protect against PD. Flavonoids, such as Taraxerol and Taraxasterol, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, and neuroprotective properties. They can also assimilate into cells and cross the Blood Brain Barrier, making them potential candidates for treatment. The study will use both in vivo and in vitro assays to investigate the neuroprotective effects of these compounds. The in vitro model will evaluate the anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, and neuroprotective effects of these compounds, including reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial state analysis, and mRNA and miRNA expression analysis. The zebrafish larvae will be treated with toxin MPTP to establish a PD model, which will be evaluated for locomotory behavior, biochemical analysis, dopaminergic cell death, and altered expression of PD-associated genes. The study aims to identify the neuroprotective effect of proposed compounds and provide insights into the mechanisms behind PD disease progression. Future research will focus on targeted and improved therapeutics for neuroprotection to treat PD.