Role of medicinal plants in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disease are characterized by severe memory loss, unusual behaviour, personality changes, and a decline in cognitive function. No definitive cure for most of these diseases exist, even though they are life threatening and the drugs presently available to treat these diseases have limited efficacy. Herbal medicines have attracted considerable attention in recent years, especially for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This review summarizes the role of natural plant compounds and herbal formulations investigated in animal models and clinical investigations for treatment of neurological diseases. The relevant compounds and herbal extracts with CNS activities have been listed and pharmacological activities have been included. These herbal medicines can be an alternative and a valuable source for future neurodegenerative drug discovery. Some of the plant species in these genera and families may be the most promising candidates for further investigation and require serious consideration in clinical trials. Active components in some of the herbal extracts are not clearly known and the compatibility law of herbal formulations remains to be further investigated. The unique ways of Ayurveda to cross the blood brain barrier and deliver the plant extracts at the site of defect have also been given attention in this review.