Protective Effect of Hirsutidin against Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonism via Inhibition of Caspase-3/Interleukins-6 and 1β

[Image: see text] A participant of the chemical family recognized as anthocyanins, hirsutidin is an O-methylated anthocyanidin. It is a natural substance, i.e., existing in Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle), the predominant component in petals, as well as callus cultures. The literature review indicated a lack of scientifically verified findings on hirsutidin’s biological activities, particularly its anti-Parkinson’s capabilities. Using the information from the previous section as a reference, a present study has been assessed to evaluate the anti-Parkinson properties of hirsutidin against rotenone-activated Parkinson’s in experimental animals. For 28 days, rats received hirsutidin at a dose of 10 mg/kg and rotenone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg s.c. to test the neuroprotective effects. The hirsutidin was given 1 h before the rotenone. Behavioral tests, including the rotarod test, catalepsy, Kondziela’s inverted screen activity, and open-field analysis, were performed. The levels of neurotransmitters (5-HT, DOPAC, 5-HIAA, dopamine, and HVA), neuroinflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, caspase-3), an endogenous antioxidant, nitrite content, and acetylcholine were measured in all the rats on the 29th day. Hirsutidin exhibited substantial behavioral improvement in the rotarod test, catalepsy, Kondziela’s inverted screen activity, and open-field test. Furthermore, hirsutidin restored neuroinflammatory markers, cholinergic function, nitrite content, neurotransmitters, and endogenous antioxidant levels. According to the study, hirsutidin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. As a result, it implies that hirsutidin may have anti-Parkinsonian effects in rats.