Ajwain

Investigating the Neuroprotective Effects of Trachyspermum Ammi on Parkinson's Disease via the Gut-Brain Axis

Investigating the Neuroprotective Effects of Trachyspermum Ammi on Parkinson's Disease via the Gut-Brain Axis

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease (NDD) that is characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons and progressive motor impairment. Recent studies suggest that PD may originate in the gut, highlighting the gut-brain axis (GBA) as a critical area for research. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) oil on PD-associated symptoms using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism. This study will assess various PD symptoms, including impaired locomotion, dopaminergic neuron degeneration, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and gut permeability. The researcher procured C. elegans genetically modified to develop Parkinson’s disease and exposed them to varying concentrations of T. ammi oil by incorporating it into the worms’ food. PD was ultimately induced in C. elegans genetic models by introducing varying concentrations of T. ammi oil through the worm’s food. Behavioral assays (locomotion, thrashing) as well as physiological assays (oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein levels and gut permeability), were conducted to assess the impact of T. ammi oil on these parameters. Results from these assays suggested a positive effect of T. ammi on Parkinson’s, with the Ajwain-treated groups showing improved locomotion, thrashing, improved survival under oxidative stress and even lowered alpha-synuclein levels. The findings support the hypothesis that T. ammi oil mitigates PD-like symptoms in C. elegans. The results could be further applied to develop an efficient, cost-effective and widely available treatment for mitigating PD symptoms in humans.