From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Development: Natural Products Targeting Amyloid Plaque in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and its pathogenesis is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaque in the brain. Current treatments for AD are limited and only offer symptomatic relief, making the development of new therapies a crucial area of research. One promising approach is the use of natural products, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are a rich source of bioactive compounds. In this review, we discuss the use of natural products for the treatment of AD, with a particular focus on those that target amyloid plaque formation and clearance. We highlight the mechanisms of action of these natural products, including inhibition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, promotion of Aβ degradation, and modulation of Aβ-induced neuroinflammation. We also discuss the challenges associated with the development of natural products as therapeutics, including issues related to standardization, quality control, and safety. Finally, we examine the potential of combining natural products with modern drug development approaches, such as nanotechnology and synthetic biology, to overcome these challenges and develop effective treatments for AD.