Secondary Metabolites

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and various neurodegenerative diseases are generally characterized by neuronal loss, which directly induces cognitive and motor dysfunctions. Secondary metabolites, as natural products of aromatic and medicinal plants and other origins, could present a promising alternative source to combat neurodegenerative diseases. With their important phytochemical composition, especially in alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, these secondary metabolites pave the way for the development of new therapies. Their neuroprotective properties and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities constitute a solid basis for their use in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. This chapter aims to explore the therapeutic effects of secondary metabolites in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases while discussing the responsible mechanisms, challenges, perspectives, as well as the limits of this application.