Neuroprotective Effects of Betanin in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease: Behavioural and Neurotransmitter Pathway Insights.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of betanin-a bioactive, natural pigment found in beetroot and prickly pear-on cognitive function, motor performance, and neurotransmission in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Aged mice with PD-like symptoms induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were pretreated with betanin (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w./day) via drinking water. Behavioural tests assessed motor skills, anxiety-related behaviour, and spatial memory. Biochemical analyses of central nervous system structures were conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine neurotransmitter levels and metabolites. Betanin improved motor and cognitive functions in MPTP-treated mice. While learning ability remained unchanged, the 50 mg/kg dose alleviated spatial memory deficits. Biochemically, betanin moderately limited dopamine depletion and significantly influenced dopamine metabolism and serotonin levels. These findings suggest that betanin, as a functional food component, may exert neuroprotective effects and support cognitive and motor function in neurodegenerative conditions such as PD.