Abstract

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE: BRIDGING CURRENT INSIGHT TO FUTURE THERAPEUTICS INNOVATIONS

Vandana S. Nade, Vaishnavi A. Ahire*, Vaishnavi B. Nikam, Laxman A. Kawale, Pooja

Abstract

Phytochemicals have emerged as promising candidates in neurodegenerative disorder therapeutics, particularly parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the aggregation of α-synuclein, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments like Levodopa, primarily address symptoms without halting disease progression or neuronal degeneration. This review highlights the neuroprotective potential of various naturally occurring phytochemicals, such as chrysin, daphnetin and theaflavin, etc. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and signaling modulation properties, targeting pathways like Nrf2, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt. The mechanisms of action, such as oxidative stress mitigation, mitochondrial function enhancement and autophagy regulation, offer a multi-faceted approach to combating PD. Furthermore, by investigating numerous experimental models that assess the potential neuroprotective efficiency of antioxidant phytochemical derivatives in terms of their inhibitory effects on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain. Naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals may be considered prospective pharmaceutical therapeutic options to alleviate symptoms or reduce the progression of parkinson's disease. However, additional well-designed clinical trials are needed to assess the preventive and therapeutic advantages of phytochemicals as prospective medications in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. By bridging existing knowledge with therapeutic innovation, this study underscores the role of phytochemicals in developing future interventions for PD.

Keywords: Parkinson’s Disease, Phytochemicals, Neurodegeneration, Neuroprotection, a synuclein