Nutraceuticals for Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder prevalent in the elderly population worldwide. It is characterized by low dopamine levels secondary to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra; and deposition of abnormal protein aggregates known as Lewy bodies. Genetic mutations in α-synuclein, DJ-1, PINK1, LRRK2, parkin and chronic exposure to herbicides and pesticides are suspected in PD pathology. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are interdependent feedback mechanism of vicious cycle of neurodegeneration. Prolonged intake of L-Dopa is accompanied by unwanted side effect like dyskinesia. Nutraceuticals derived from maccuna and ginseng has been observed to mitigate neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction via modulation of NF-κB, mitochondrial homeostasis and MAPK signaling pathways. Soy, peanuts and Ginkgo biloba have all shown neuroprotective effects via the regulation of the JNK pathway whereas both epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol have shown similar neuroprotective effects through AMPK activation, regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and modulation of SIRIT1, Bax and protein kinase signaling pathways. L-sulforaphane and allicin ameliorated neuronal apoptosis through inhibition of 8-iso-prostagandins and caspases 3. Polyphenolic nutraceuticals decreased oxidative stress via modulation of Nrf/Keap1, Nrf/ARE, P13K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling cascades. This chapter is aimed to examine the neuroprotective properties of nutraceuticals as disease modifying therapeutic options via modulation of molecular mechanism in PD.