Emerging evidence continues to demonstrate that increased oxidative stress in the pathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) Causes irreversible loss of dopaminergic neurons. PD is held responsible for the characteristic motor signs and symptoms (such as tremor, postural instability, bradykinesia, hypokinesia, rigidity). Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune (NC) has been traditionally used as a healthy food and medicine for centuries, especially that exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of the NC extract on motor dysfunction 6-OHDA-induced in animal model of Parkinson's disease. In this experimental study, 40 Wistar male rats (200–250 g) were divide the following groups: i) control, ii) 6-OHDA-lesioned, iii) 6-OHDA infused supplemented with 50 mg/kg NC extract (6-OHDA+NC 50), and iv) 6-OHDA infused supplemented with 100 mg/kg NC extract (6-OHDA+NC 100). The Parkinson's model was induced by 6-OHDA (10 μg in 2 μl/site) injection unilaterally (AP: +1 mm; L: +2.5 mm; D: +4.5 mm). After 24 h, intrastriatal 6-OHDA-lesioned rats received the NC extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) orally for three weeks. The open field test (OFT) on day 21 was carried out. The results showed that injection of the 6-OHDA-lesioned group decreased locomotor activity in the OFT (p < 0.001) compared to control group. NC 50 and NC 100 treatment increased the locomotor activity into the OFT (p < 0.001) compared with the lesioned group. Besides, NCE 100 showed better therapeutic effects than NCE 50. In conclusion, Regular treatment with NC extract in rats for three weeks significantly decreased the locomotor activities. Therefore, it can be stated that neuroprotective action in improvement of motor dysfunction may be attributed to antioxidant activities. Thus, using these substances may be useful by modulating the level of antioxidant activity and protecting the nervous system against 6-OHDA toxicity as a pharmacological tool.
