Neuroprotective potential of phytochemicals

Abstract

Cognitive dysfunction is a major health problem in the 21st century, and many neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's Disease dementia, cerebrovascular impairment, seizure disorders, head injury and Parkinsonism, can be severly functionally debilitating in nature. In course of time, a number of neurotransmitters and signaling molecules have been identified which have been considered as therapeutic targets. Conventional as well newer molecules have been tried against these targets. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants play a vital role in maintaining the brain's chemical balance by influencing the function of receptors for the major inhibitory neurotransmitters. In traditional practice of medicine, several plants have been reported to treat cognitive disorders. In this review paper, we attempt to throw some light on the use of medicinal herbs to treat cognitive disorders. In this review, we briefly deal with some medicinal herbs focusing on their neuroprotective active phytochemical substances like fatty acids, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes etc. The resistance of neurons to various stressors by activating specific signal transduction pathways and transcription factors are also discussed. It was observed in the review that a number of herbal medicines used in Ayurvedic practices as well Chinese medicines contain multiple compounds and phytochemicals that may have a neuroprotective effect which may prove beneficial in different neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Though the presence of receptors or transporters for polyphenols or other phytochemicals of the herbal preparations, in brain tissues remains to be ascertained, compounds with multiple targets appear as a potential and promising class of therapeutics for the treatment of diseases with a multifactorial etiology.

In vitro & ex vivo Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Morinda citrifolia Linn (Noni) Fruit Extract

“…As per study, the natural pharmaceuticals utilized as a part of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines contain various phytoconstituents with neuroprotective impact which may be helpful in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. 6 Morinda citrifolia Linn belongs to the family Rubiaceae and habituated to Sub-himalayan tracts, Darjeeling, Konkan and Andamans. The Indian Mulberry is commonly known as ashyuka, akshi & atchy in Ayurveda & nunaa, togaru in Siddha.…”

Total aflatoxins load and phytochemical composition of Cola nitida (Kola Nut) samples purchased within Jos metropolis

“…In the case of alkaloids,they exert pharmacological activity particularly on the nervous system affecting the action of chemical neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, epinephrine, nor epinephrine, γ-aminobutyric acid. Alkaloids interfere or compete with action of serotonin in the brain, they affect the autonomic nervous system which includes the regulation of heartbeat, circulation and breathing [5]. Terpenes could be mono-, di-, tri-or tetraterpenes [6].…”

Phytochemicals Having Neuroprotective Properties from Dietary Sources and Medicinal Herbs

“…There are more than 120 traditional medicines that are being used for the therapy of CNS disorders in Asian countries. 22 …”