Abstract

A STUDY OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE WITH MEDICINAL PLANT EFFICACY

Preetam Nikam*, Gaurav Pagar, Tejas Thorat, Preeti Agrawal,  Neha Dushing

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is related to increasing age. It is mainly characterized by progressive neurodegenerative disease, which damages memory and cognitive function. Over the last 10 years, the potential therapeutic effects of nutraceuticals to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease were proposed. Among dietary antioxidants curcumin, Ginkgo biloba and carnitines were extensively studied for their neuroprotective effects. Meanwhile, natural compound structures, including lignans, flavonoids, tannins, poly-phenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids, have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiamyloidogenic, and anticholinesterase activities. The number of individuals with AD is growing at a quick rate. The pathology behind AD is the progress of intraneuronal fibrillary tangles, accumulation of amyloid plaque, loss of cholinergic neurons, and decrease in choline acetyltransferase. Unfortunately, AD cannot be cured, but its progression can be delayed. Nano-delivery systems like liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, conjugates, peptide carriers, cyclodextrins, solid dispersions, lipidic nanoparticles, and emulsions have been extensively explored for enhancing the overall bioavailability of curcumin. Ongoing clinical trials on curcumin are also covered. Various curcumin-based products currently available in the market or those in the pipeline are also discussed. Curcumin (CUR) is a very promising natural compound for nerve protection and treatment. It can prevent and treat AD, and on the other hand, its fluorescence properties can be used in the diagnosis of AD. Nanocarriers are a potential material to improve the biocompatibility of CUR and its ability to cross biological barriers. Therefore, delivering CUR by nanocarriers is an effective method to achieve better efficacy.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s, Gingko biloba, Phase of Disease, Curcuma longa.