Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Parkinson's disease causes tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. This disease is characterized by substantia nigra dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Arsenic and other environmental factors may raise Parkinson's risk. Arsenic in contaminated water and industry promotes neurodegeneration by generating inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Chronic arsenic exposure accelerates dopaminergic neuron degeneration, accelerating Parkinson's disease. Plant-derived alkaloids, which are antioxidants, may reduce arsenic-induced neurotoxicity. Berberine, nicotine, and harmine may modulate redox homeostasis, reduce lipid peroxidation, and scavenge free radicals. Preclinical studies suggest these alkaloids may protect brain function in PD models from oxidative damage and inflammation. Their neuroprotective effect is enhanced by their ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, and interact with neuroinflammatory pathways. Although preclinical results are challenging to translate into clinical practice, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of plant alkaloids in arsenic-induced PD. Studying combination therapies and medication delivery systems could improve drug bioavailability and efficacy. If alkaloids' full therapeutic potential is realized, arsenic-induced neurodegenerative diseases may be treated.
Institution: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220439335