REVIEW OF NATURAL PRODUCTS ON PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATHOLOGY

Abstract

This review examines evidence of plant-derived natural products and their constituents that have been shown to slow down or reverse the underlying neuronal degeneration observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with a focus on their effect on the modulation of dopaminergic neurotransission levels and motor function. During the last decade, there have been over 140 studies published that have investigated the anti-PD therapeutic potential of herbs, fruits, vegetables and spices, ornamental and parasitic plants, and fungi. Empirical evidence implicates phytochemicals may play a role in the prevention and mitigation of some of the intractable signs and symptoms of PD. The anti-PD effects exhibited by these natural products are considered to be due to their ability to modulate; reactive oxygen species production, neuroinflammation, dopamine production, excitotoxicity, metal homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and cellular signaling pathways, which are all disrupted in the PD brain. However, the precise neuroprotective mechanism of action of natural products for PD remains unclear. Research is necessary to further elucidate the mechanisms by which these compounds are efficacious in attenuating PD or controlling PD-related symptoms.