Abstract

POTENTIAL PHYTOCHEMICALS AS NEUROPROTECTIVE DRUGS: A REVIEW

Ranjitha C. J.*, Sowmya B. A. and Amal Balakrishnakurup Kovattu

ABSTRACT

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with an increasing incidence and prevalence in the aging population. These disorders are characterized by the progressive degeneration of the central nervous system and are a result of complex genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Despite the growing understanding of the etiology of the various neurodegenerative diseases, a cure or a disease-modifying treatment for these diseases remains to be identified. Recently, natural products and their derivatives have been identified as safe and effective therapeutic agents with promising disease-modifying properties in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will provide an updated summary of the natural products, such as the lignans, which may be effective neuroprotective drugs. Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the central nervous system. As people get older, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases rises. A neurodegenerative disease may occur when the neurons fail to function properly, and this leads to the progressive decline in the functioning of the neurons and ultimately to cell death. Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites present in fruits, vegetables, grains, wine and edible spices such as garlic and ginger. They may promote health and prevent disease. Many of these compounds have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating several diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Neuroprotective phytochemicals have been reviewed in detail in this issue by several authors. A large number of phytochemicals have been shown to be effective in protecting cells from the detrimental effects of various oxidative stressors including reactive oxygen species (ROS), amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), β-amyloid protein (Aβ), lipopolysaccharide, and amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta).

Keywords: Phytochemicals, Neurodegeneration, Alzheimers & Parkinson’s disease.