Neuroprotective potential of an Ayurvedic compound "Ras Sindoor" on Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting 1-2% of the global population with no cure to date. PD is characterized by accumulation of Lewy Bodies (LBs), which are caused due to aggregation of incorrectly folded -Synuclein, (SNCA). Another form of PD manifestation is characterized by loss of function of parkin, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Despite extensive research, the cause for onset and progression of PD remains unknown and current therapeutics mainly help manage the disease. An alternative line of treatment can be useful. In this study, we have employed two different genetic models of Drosophila to screen for Ayurvedic compounds and found an Ayurvedic mercury based organo-metallic drug Ras-Sindoor has neuroprotective function. Our data indicate that characteristic locomotory dysfunction phenotype of PD is restored upon administration of the compound. Interestingly, RS fed flies also exhibit reduced transcript levels of initiator caspase dronc, which possibly prevents cell death in dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, RS fed PD model flies exhibit an enhanced life span. Our studies emphasize beneficial use of traditional Ayurvedic compounds as a holistic cure for PD like multifactorial diseases.