Indopathy for Neuroprotection in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, multi-system, complex neurodegenerative disorder pathologically characterized by motor dysfunctions caused mainly due to the loss of dopamine (DA) neurotransmitters producing dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons. In Ayurveda, which is an indigenous medicine system of India, various medicinal herbs have been used for the treatment of PD since ancient times. A growing number of studies have proven that these Ayurvedic herbs can protect DAergic neurons from neuronal degeneration and hence can increase the level of DA. Phytochemicals or active ingredients present in these Ayurvedic herbs can target oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy and can reduce α-synuclein (α-syn) protein aggregation, which are the basic pathological causes of neurodegeneration and can improve the motor ability and sometimes longevity in animal models of PD. The mainstay of treatment of PD is levodopa (L-Dopa), a precursor of DA, used for achieving the optimal level of DA. But its long-term use has debilitating side effects. Ayurvedic herbs have provided relief in PD with no or minimal side-effect even after long-term administration. Some plants, such as M. pruriens, are a natural source of L-Dopa. Here, we have discussed the major classes of phytochemicals found in Ayurvedic medicines and the pathogenic mechanisms of PD targeted by them. After that, we have discussed the recent advances in experimental and clinical data that support the neuroprotective properties of these phytochemicals used in Ayurveda and their potential to be developed as a therapeutic intervention for the prevention of PD.