Royhaan FolarinAkinola OlonadeImam AminuPraise OgunkunlePaul Folarin2025-07-232025-07-232021-06-1710.21203/rs.3.rs-522823/v1https://dspace.ughe.org/handle/123456789/811<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Parkinsonism is a neurological disease characterised by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra and dopamine deficiency in the brain, with motor and psycho-cognitive implications, while limitations masked the efficacy of the available drugs, thus the need to find alternatives with less side effects are essential. <italic>Nigella sativa</italic> is a multi-potent plant with therapeutic potentials in the brain and other body organs. This study investigated the effects of <italic>Nigella sativa</italic> oil (NSO) on the cognitive and other Parkinsonism endophenotypes elicited by MPTP in the BALB/c strain mice. Materials and Methods Body weights, brain-body ratios, recognition memory (through novel object recognition test), as well as fronto-cortical, striatal and cerebellar dopamine and neuronal density were assayed in thirty-two (32) male BALB/c mice (18 g − 25 g). They were randomized into four groups exposed to; normal feed, 18 mg/kg MPTP i.p, 1 ml/kgbw NSO p.o., and NSO + MPTP respectively, for 5 consecutive days. Behaviours were analysed 24 hours after the last exposure, subsequently euthanized, the brains removed and processed for biomarkers analysis and histochemistry. Results Parkinsonism-like traits such as mild tremor, down-regulation of striatal and fronto-cortical dopamine and neurons were recorded in the BALB/c mice administered with MPTP only. However, significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in appetite, body weight, brain-body weight ratio, and recognition memory was also recorded in the MPTP-administered mice, though <italic>Nigella sativa</italic> was significantly prophylactic against the negative Parkinsonic features, and ‘moderative’ of the up-regulations induced by MPTP. Conclusion While this suggests selective MPTP sensitivity and resistance in BALB/c strains, this study recommends the investigation of possible (though ironic) beneficial potentials of MPTP.</p>enNigella sativaMPTPBALB/cParkinsonismStriatumFrontal cortexposted-content