Modulating effect of Hypericum perforatum extract on astrocytes in MPTP induced Parkinson's disease in mice.

The present study has been evaluated the neuroprotective effect of Hypericum perforatum extract on the reaction of astrocytes in mice brain treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (20 mg/kg with 2 hr intervals). Treatment with Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE) resulted in an inhibition of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity and reduced astrocyte activation in striatal area induced by MPTP. The results show that HPE has neuromodulating effect against MPTP induced Parkinson's disease in mice.