World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS: INSIGHTS FROM PHARMACOGNOSY - A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Bhagwat N. Poul, Yash Srivastav, Anil Kumar, SNVL Sirisha, Konda V. V. S. Krishna, Sanmati Kumar Jain, Manoj Kumar Katual, Bhiresh Kumar and Uriti Sri Venkatesh*

ABSTRACT

Background: Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS) represent a significant global health challenge due to their progressive nature and lack of effective longterm
therapies. The growing interest in natural remedies, particularly those rooted in pharmacognosy, has led to the
exploration of plant-based compounds as potential neuroprotective agents. This review aims to provide a comprehensive
overview of natural remedies derived from medicinal plants and traditional systems of medicine, focusing on their
mechanisms of action and clinical potential in neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVES: This review seeks to.
? Highlight the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders relevant to natural remedy interventions.
? Analyze various natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and essential oils, with reported
neuroprotective effects.
? Discuss the role of traditional medicine systems (e.g., Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine) in treating
neurodegenerative conditions.
? Examine the clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the use of these natural remedies.
? Identify sustainability and ethical considerations in the sourcing of natural compounds.
Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of
Science, focusing on studies published in the last two decades. The review incorporates both in vitro and in vivo
research, as well as clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy of plant-derived compounds in neurodegenerative disorders.
Traditional medicine practices were also reviewed through ethnopharmacological studies and meta-analyses. Results:
Numerous natural compounds demonstrate neuroprotective properties, primarily through their antioxidant, antiinflammatory,
and mitochondrial-stabilizing effects. Key compounds include alkaloids like galantamine, terpenoids such
as ginkgo biloba and curcumin, and polyphenols like resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate. Traditional medicinal
systems have utilized herbs such as Ashwagandha, Ginseng, and Brahmi, which show promising preclinical and clinical
results. However, challenges in standardization, bioavailability, and regulatory approvals remain significant barriers to
widespread adoption in mainstream medicine. Conclusions: Natural remedies derived from pharmacognosy hold
substantial promise in addressing the unmet therapeutic needs of neurodegenerative disorders. While current evidence is
encouraging, further clinical trials, improved formulation strategies, and sustainable sourcing practices are essential for
these compounds to transition into routine clinical use. Future research should focus on optimizing the efficacy of these
natural products and ensuring ethical and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants.

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