Researchers at NIMHANS have reported positive results from a new intranasal therapy tested in rats with Parkinson’s disease. The therapy uses tiny particles called exosomes from dental pulp stem cells to carry antioxidants directly to the brain. This improved motor functions and biological markers in the rats. Parkinson’s disease causes loss of dopamine neurons in a brain area called the substantia nigra, leading to tremors and slow movement. Current treatments only ease symptoms, not the disease. Led by Professor Indrani Datta and funded by ICMR and the Department of Science and Technology, the study appears in Stem Cell Research and Therapy. Dr. Datta said, “We have successfully demonstrated in a pre-clinical rat model that this strategy works.” She added, “These exosomes can trigger the brain to generate new dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain.” The exosomes acted like “intelligent courier packages,” explained lead author Kallolika Mondal. They crossed the blood-brain barrier and targeted injured brain areas when given through the nose, bypassing the digestive system. Rats treated this way showed better movement and restored dopamine levels. Researchers also saw reduced inflammation and signs of new neuron growth. Ms. Rituparna Ghanty said, “These vesicles, particularly with phloroglucinol, can trigger dopaminergic neuron formation from the brain’s own progenitor cells.” Safety checks showed no harmful build-up in lungs or liver over four weeks. Dr. Datta stressed that more testing is needed before trials in humans. This includes safety, dose tests, and studies in larger animals. This breakthrough could help Parkinson’s patients by aiding the brain’s self-repair rather than just managing symptoms, said Dr. Datta.