Recent updates in redox regulation and free radical scavenging effects by herbal products in experimental models of Parkinson's disease

Molecules. 2012 Sep 26;17(10):11391-420. doi: 10.3390/molecules171011391.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex multifactorial disease marked by extensive neuropathology in the brain with selective yet prominent and progressive loss of mid-brain dopaminergic neurons. The etiological factors involved in the development of PD are still elusive, but oxidative stress arising when reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceed amounts required for normal redox signaling is considered one of the major factors. ROS cause oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA and are one of the most prominent factors related to neurodegeneration. Pre-clinical and clinical studies clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, regulation of redox signaling and inhibiting excess ROS would contribute greatly not only to extend longevity but also to ameliorate the progression of dopaminergic cell death seen in patients with PD. Several herbal products are beneficial for maintaining nerve cell function and for treating various neurodegenerative disorders by reducing oxidative stress. Here, we summarize the recent knowledge concerning promising herbs that have shown significant beneficial effects based on regulation of redox status and ROS inhibition in toxin-induced PD models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism*
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Neuroprotective Agents