Neuroprotective Agents in Parkinson’s Disease:

Evaluating Natural Compounds and Novel Drugs

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Current treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief rather than disease modification. This paper explores the potential of neuroprotective agents, encompassing both natural compounds and novel drugs, to prevent the worsening of the disease. This paper will discuss various natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, ginkgo biloba, and green tea polyphenols, for their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protective properties. Additionally, novel pharmacological agents such as nilotinib, istradefylline, and safinamide are examined for their innovative mechanisms targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation, dopamine receptor activation, and MAO-B inhibition. Through a comprehensive review of clinical trials, we assess the efficacy, safety, and future potential of these neuroprotective strategies in PD management.