Herbal Drugs in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor dysfunctions such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms including cognitive decline and depression. The underlying pathology involves the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain and the accumulation of Lewy bodies, primarily composed of α-synuclein. Current pharmacological interventions such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors provide symptomatic relief but fail to halt or reverse neuronal degeneration. Long-term use of these drugs is also associated with side effects like dyskinesia and motor fluctuations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore alternative or complementary therapeutic options with better safety profiles and neuroprotective efficacy.

In recent years, herbal drugs have gained increasing attention in the management of Parkinson’s disease due to their multi-targeted approach, antioxidant properties, and relatively low toxicity. Numerous plant-based compounds such as curcumin (from Curcuma longa), bacosides (from Bacopa monnieri), withanolides (from Withania somnifera), and ginsenosides (from Panax ginseng) have demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities in preclinical models. These phytochemicals are thought to work through various mechanisms including inhibition of oxidative stress, modulation of mitochondrial function, suppression of neuroinflammation, and enhancement of dopaminergic transmission.

This review aims to comprehensively analyze the potential of herbal drugs in the prevention and management of Parkinson’s disease. It explores the ethnopharmacological background, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic efficacy, safety concerns, and current research gaps. Additionally, it addresses the regulatory and standardization challenges associated with the clinical adoption of herbal therapies. By evaluating both traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence, this work highlights the promising role of herbal medicine as a complementary strategy in the multifaceted approach to Parkinson’s disease.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, Herbal medicine, Phytotherapy, Neuroprotection, Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, Oxidative stress, Neuroinflammation, Phytochemicals, Complementary medicine