Title:Endophytes and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Hope in Desperation
Volume: 15
Issue: 10
Author(s): Aiyatullah Shah, Nawab John Dar, Qazi Parvaiz Hassan and Muzamil Ahmad
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Endophytes, inflammation, neuro-hydrolases, oxidative stress, protein aggregation, neurodegenerative diseases.
Abstract: Neurodegeneration is progressive loss of functional and structural
integrity of the central nervous system. Neurodegenerative disorders are yet without
any reliable therapy because the neurons of the central nervous system have limited
ability to regenerate. Current therapeutic approaches rely mainly on abrogation of
symptoms and leave the dying neurons to their fate. Protective and/or rescuing
treatments need to be explored fully to suppress neuronal death that will
automatically alleviate the symptoms. Adequate precedent exists in literature
regarding the neuroprotective activity of endophytes. Endophytes are a class of
microorganisms which colonize healthy plant tissues without causing any apparent
harm to the host. Chemical moieties from known endophytes have been used against
many disease models including neurodegenerative diseases. There is great hope that novel bioactive
molecules from newer endophytes can impede pathogenic mechanisms and progression of many
diseases. In this review, we will discuss promising pharmacological or clinical relevance of endophytes
against various neurodegenerative diseases.
