Chemical and pharmacological perspectives on natural compounds for Parkinson’s disease

• Author Details:   
• Sambhaji Vyavahare
• Vitthal Kangude
• Saurabh Jadhav
• Rohit R Doke

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Parkinson's disease, a progressive, age-related neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system characterised by the selective death of dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra. Both non-motor symptoms and motor deficits are caused by this neuronal degeneration. Although the precise cause of PD remains unclear, several factors—such as oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic neuroinflammation—are known to play critical roles in its pathogenesis.

Currently available pharmacological treatments aim to restore dopamine levels in the brain; however, they only offer symptomatic relief and do not prevent or reverse disease progression. Moreover, these therapies are often associated with limitations such as high cost, adverse effects, and reduced long-term efficacy. Considering these challenges, there is a growing need to identify alternative or complementary treatment strategies that are both effective and safer. In this context, the present review highlights the therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents possessing neuroprotective properties against the underlying mechanisms of neuro degeneration in PD. This approach supports the development of novel, plant-based therapeutic interventions that may serve as promising candidates for future PD management.