Plant derived alkaloids in major neurodegenerative diseases: from animal models to clinical trials

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two most common neurodegenerative diseases that primarily target the elderly population in society. The global economic and social burden of these neurodegenerative diseases is very high. To date, available treatments for these diseases are based on the neurotransmitter modulation and provide only symptomatic benefit. There is an urgent need to find the more effective treatments which can alter the underlying pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and stop their rising prevalence. Although many disease modifying approaches are under investigation, yet there is no successful candidate in market. Further, the current therapies focus on single target. However, the diseases like AD and PD which have complex pathology can be better controlled if we opt for a multi-targeted approach. In view of this, treatment by plant-derived alkaloids themselves or their derivatives is a promising hope. The aim of this review is to discuss the current progress with respect to clinical research, in development of alkaloids primarily obtained from plants and their derivatives for treatment and delay of these two devastating disorders. Also, the various mechanistic approaches of plant-derived alkaloids are highlighted..