Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex multi-factorial, neurodegenerative
disease characterized by neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia
nigra (SN) of the ventral midbrain area. Loss of dopamine (DA) supply induces an
imbalance of multiple neurotransmitter networks in different parts of the brain. This
contributes to many motor and non-motor symptoms in PD. The main goal of modern
allopathic medicine is to restore DA function with synthetic levodopa (L-DOPA) and
DA agonist, which has been partially effective; however, there are still several
inadequacies and adverse effects that patients often cannot cope with. In the field of
herbal medicine, extensive studies on bioactive phytocompounds have shown that it
has immense potential as a neuroprotective therapy for neurodegenerative disorders,
such as PD. Bioactive phytocompounds are very promising because they have minimal
side effects and very high anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anticholinesterase
activity. Recent preclinical studies suggest that several bioactive phytocompounds can
be developed into pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of PD. Ayurvedic
medicines have been used in many countries and particularly in India since ancient
times to prevent or cure PD. This article focuses on the recent evidence-based
neuroprotective activity of medicinal plants like Mucuna pruriens, Curcuma longa,
Zingiber officinale, Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys jatamansi, Withania somnifera,
and Silybum marianum in in vivo and in vitro PD research models.
Keywords: Ayurvedic medicine, Levodopa, Neurodegeneration, Parkinson’s disease, Phytotherapy.
