Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders and Their Future Prospects and Challenges

• Main Authors: Md. Habibur Rahman, Johny Bajgai, Ailyn Fadriquela, Subham Sharma, Thuy Thi Trinh, Rokeya Akter, Yun Ju Jeong, Seong Hoon Goh, Cheol-Su Kim, Kyu-Jae Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: neurodegenerative diseases; natural products; alzheimer’s disease; parkinson’s disease; therapeutic potential; oxidative stress
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/17/5327

Natural products derived from plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, have been extensively studied in recent years for their therapeutic potential in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer’s (AD), Huntington’s (HD), and Parkinson’s (PD) disease. These diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction and loss of neuronal structure and function. There has been little progress in designing efficient treatments, despite impressive breakthroughs in our understanding of NDs. In the prevention and therapy of NDs, the use of natural products may provide great potential opportunities; however, many clinical issues have emerged regarding their use, primarily based on the lack of scientific support or proof of their effectiveness and patient safety. Since neurodegeneration is associated with a myriad of pathological processes, targeting multi-mechanisms of action and neuroprotection approaches that include preventing cell death and restoring the function of damaged neurons should be employed. In the treatment of NDs, including AD and PD, natural products have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents. This current review will highlight the therapeutic potential of numerous natural products and their bioactive compounds thatexert neuroprotective effects on the pathologies of NDs.