Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) as the second leading neurodegenerative disease, imposes a heavy burden among individuals as well as economies worldwide. The main characteristics of PD is a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons resulting in the loss of motor function, the occurrence of non-motor symptoms, and cognitive decline. Similar to many other chronic diseases, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are very popular for the treatment of this disease. This review evaluates six plants, three each from European and Asian traditional medicinal systems: (1) Atropa belladonna, (2) Hyoscyamus niger, (3) Lepidium meyenii, (4) Aspargus racemosus, (5) Mucuna pruriens L., and (6) Gingko biloba. Atropa belladonna, and Hyoscyamus niger in particular, are better known for their poisonous and narcotic effects than as potentially effective plants for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely cultured plants in Traditional Chinese Medicine with high antioxidant potential which contributes to its neuroprotective/ anti-apoptotic activity. The bioactive compounds, anti-neurodegenerative effects and other neuroprotective effects of all six plants are discussed herein.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease globally
The paper focuses on plants from Europe and Asia which have been used for treating neurodegenerative diseases as a whole, as well as been extensively and holistically used around the globe, both as medical remedies or functional foods
The following key words were used as the search terms: Ayurveda, Asparagus racemosus, Atropa belladonna, Gingko biloba, Hyoscyamus niger, Lepidium meyenii, Mucuna pruriens, Europe, Asia, herbs, herbal remedies, traditional medicine, Parkinson disease, neurodegenerative disease
Summary
Similar to many other chronic diseases, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are very popular for the treatment of this disease. This review evaluates six plants, three each from European and Asian traditional medicinal systems: [1] Atropa belladonna, [2] Hyoscyamus niger, [3] Lepidium meyenii, [4] Aspargus racemosus, [5] Mucuna pruriens L., and [6] Gingko biloba. Hyoscyamus niger in particular, are better known for their poisonous and narcotic effects than as potentially effective plants for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely cultured plants in Traditional Chinese Medicine with high antioxidant potential which contributes to its neuroprotective/ anti-apoptotic activity. The bioactive compounds, anti-neurodegenerative effects and other neuroprotective effects of all six plants are discussed
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