A Literature Review on Neuroprotective Activities of Curcumin in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), resulting in a reduction in dopamine (DA) at their striatal terminals. The function of reduced DA in the striatum is replaced when Parkinson's disease is treated with levodopa or DA receptor agonists. Treatment with these drugs for an extended period of time has inconsistent therapeutic results and can result in undesired dyskinesia. As a result, finding innovative techniques to reduce, stop, or reverse the process of neurodegeneration is a critical unmet requirement in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Natural compounds with neuroprotective properties are being researched as potential therapies. Curcumin is a polyphenolic substance extracted from Curcuma longa rhizomes (turmeric). It has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, mitochondrial protecting, iron-chelating, MAO inhibitory properties, and is a prospective therapeutic and nutraceutical agent for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.