EXPLORING THE ETIOLOGY OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF HERBAL PLANTS IN COMBATING ITS PROGRESSION

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a crippling neurological condition marked by a gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain's substantia nigra, which causes myotonia, dyskinesia, and tremor. Although the precise cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unknown. Lifestyle, environmental, and genetic variables thought to have a role in the disease's genesis and progression. According to research, several important pathways underlie neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), including protein misfolding, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glutathione depletion, and buildup of metal ions. A rising number of people are interested in investigating complementary and alternative methods for treating Parkinson's disease symptoms and maybe slowing the disease's course. Since both are necessary for normal neural functioning, it is clear that redox stabilization and replenishment of mitochondrial function, neuro-protection, and lowering inflammation seem to be a significant therapeutic strategy against Parkinson's disease (PD). Levodopa is a component of the current medication, which slows the course of the disease but has several adverse effects. Numerous studies in this area have demonstrated that a variety of synthetic and natural products have the potential to be neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic without showing adverse effects. Phytochemicals use distinct mechanisms related to their neuroprotective roles to provide symptomatic treatment of PD. This abstract highlights the causes of disease progression and the potential of herbal plants in combating it while promoting neuronal survival and neurite growth. Mucuna pruriens, Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, and Bacopa moneiri are a few notable herbal options, these plants work as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents that reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation, anti-apoptotic agents, lowering the level of neurotoxins and acting as inhibitors of protein aggregation. Herbal treatments also have the benefit of having few adverse effects, several targets of action, and maybe even a synergistic impact with prescription PD drugs. We have also presented in detail the diagrammatic pathway of representative plants in combatting the progression of PD by acting on various targets such as, NF-κB, MPTP, alpha-synuclein and 6-OHDA, which are linked to oxidative and inflammatory stress in neurons. It is found that thorough clinical trials are necessary to confirm the effectiveness, safety, and long-term advantages of herbal remedies for Parkinson's disease (PD) therapy. To guarantee repeatability and therapeutic efficacy, standardized formulations, ideal doses, and exact mechanisms of action must be clarified. To sum up, using herbal plants to supplement current treatment approaches for Parkinson's disease management is a promising approach.