Dendrobium huoshanense attenuates Parkinsonian neurodegeneration via dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dendrobium huoshanense (DH), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD).

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated how growth years affect DH's chemical composition and neuroprotective activities against PD, focusing on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

METHODS: DH extracts from different growth years (N1-N4) were analyzed chemically. Their effects were evaluated in D-galactose-stimulated PC12 cells and LPS-activated BV-2 microglia. The most potent four-year-old DH was further tested in an MPTP-induced PD mouse model using behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.

RESULTS: Four-year-old DH exhibited the highest content of active compounds and significantly alleviated motor deficits in PD mice. It reduced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation by suppressing the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and activating the HO-1/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.

CONCLUSION: DH exerts neuroprotective effects against PD through dual regulation of the HO-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, with efficacy enhanced by longer growth periods. These findings support DH's potential as a therapeutic agent for PD.