A Review on: Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential of Bombax Ceiba Flowers: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease Research

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor and non-motor impairments. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal apoptosis play a central role in the pathogenesis of PD. Although current pharmacological treatments provide symptomatic relief, they do not prevent neuronal degeneration, highlighting the need for safer and more effective neuroprotective agents. Medicinal plants rich in bioactive phytochemicals have gained attention as potential therapeutic alternatives. Bombax ceiba, an important plant in traditional medicine, is known for its diverse pharmacological properties, and its flowers are particularly rich in flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins. These constituents exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which are essential in combating neurodegenerative processes. While direct evidence supporting the anti-Parkinson activity of Bombax ceiba flowers is currently lacking, their phytochemical profile and reported pharmacological actions strongly suggest a promising neuroprotective potential. This review summarizes the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Bombax ceiba flowers and discusses their possible implications in Parkinson’s disease research. It also highlights existing research gaps and emphasizes the need for systematic experimental studies to validate their role as a novel plant-based neuroprotective agent in PD.