Affiliations 

  • 1 Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • 2 Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
  • 3 Department of Biochemistry, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
  • 4 Department of Biotechnology and Informatics, BUITEMS, Quetta, Pakistan
  • 5 Center for Research in Molecular Medicine (CRiMM), The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
  • 6 Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, MaRS Centre, Toronto, Canada
  • 7 King Fahd Medical Research Center (KFMRC), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
  • 8 Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
PMID: 24864161 DOI: 10.1155/2014/979730

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by protein aggregates and inflammation as well as oxidative stress in the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple biological processes are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as depletion or insufficient synthesis of neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, abnormal ubiquitination. Furthermore, damaging of blood brain barrier (BBB) in the CNS also leads to various CNS-related diseases. Even though synthetic drugs are used for the management of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, autism, and many other chronic illnesses, they are not without side effects. The attentions of researchers have been inclined towards the phytochemicals, many of which have minimal side effects. Phytochemicals are promising therapeutic agents because many phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative as well as anticholinesterase activities. Various drugs of either synthetic or natural origin applied in the treatment of brain disorders need to cross the BBB before they can be used. This paper covers various researches related to phytochemicals used in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.