Phytopharmaceuticals and the Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodegenerative Therapy

The rising incidence of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases has prompted the exploration of treatment options beyond conventional medicine. Increasing attention is being given to plant-based polyphenols for their role in modulating gut microbiota to support brain health. This chapter integrates pharmacy, microbiology, and neuroscience to explore polyphenols like curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin, focusing on their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. It highlights how gut microbiota influences the activation and effectiveness of these compounds through short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters, and immune responses. Challenges such as poor bioavailability are addressed through advanced drug delivery systems including nanoformulations, phytosomes, and colon-targeted drugs. The chapter also evaluates the combined use of phytopharmaceuticals, functional foods, and probiotics in neurodegenerative disease management.