Parkinson's Disease

The pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative illness, include the presence of α-synuclein-positive intraneuronal inclusion and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. These pathological changes lead to a marked depletion in dopamine, which in turn causes motor disability and related non-motor symptoms. Although symptomatic treatments, such as levodopa, and enzyme inhibitors are available, there is no treatment for PD and available treatments do not slow the disease progression. Consequently, there is an increasing focus on early interventions and exploring alternative therapeutic strategies. The neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of plant-derived natural products have increased interest as therapeutic agents for neurological disorders, including PD. Some of these phytochemicals, for instance, flavonoids have divergent pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory. They regulate major pathological processes that have deleterious effects, namely oxidative stress, depression of neuroinflammation, and support of dopaminergic neurons, thus slowing disease progression. This chapter offers a detailed, critical evaluation of plant-type antiparkinsonian agents concerning their chemical properties, plant sources, and mode of action. It also measures the preclinical studies and biochemical and behavioral recuperation seen post-treatment by natural products. The use of plant-derived compounds in PD therapy does not only provide symptomatic relief but could also impending the disease. Thus, this study calls for continued investigation of these natural agents as an adjunct to traditional dopaminergic therapies in managing the difficulties of PD.