Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems
Open Access

Golden Herbs Used in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Aishwarya A Shinde^*, Dayanand M Kannur and Anagha Joshi ^*Correspondence: Aishwarya A Shinde, Department of Pharmacy, Indira College of Pharmacy, Pune, India, Email:

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Introduction

Neurodegenerative diseases occur when nervous system cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord begin to deteriorate. Changes in these cells cause them to function abnormally and eventually result in the cells' demise. A neurodegenerative disease is a condition that affects neurons in the brain, causing symptoms such as memory loss, moodiness, anxiety, depression and agitation. Treatment for each neurodegenerative disease varies and incorrect treatment may not be helpful or could be detrimental. Some of the most common are epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, strokes, migraine and other headaches, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neurological infections, brain tumours, traumatic conditions of the nervous system such as head injuries and disorders caused by malnutrition. The Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test is used to assess anxiety-related behaviour in rodent models of CNS disorders (Figures 1 and 2) [1-10].

Figure 1: Neurodegeneration cycle.

Figure 2: Neurodegenerative diseases types and weightage.

Description

Ginseng

Synonym: Panax ginseng and Chinese herb.

Biological source: Obtained from root of plants in the genus Panax, such as Korean ginseng (P. ginseng), south China ginseng and American ginseng (Figure 3).

Geographical source: It is mainly found in China, Russia, Korea, Japan, Canada and India.

Family: Araliaceae

Chemical constituents: Ginseng saponins, ginseng oils and phytosterol, carbohydrates and sugars, organic acids, nitrogenous substances, amino acids and peptides, vitamins and minerals.

Uses

•Maintaining homeostasis
•Anti-inflammatory
•Anti-oxidant
•Anti-apoptotic
•Immune-stimulatory activities

Figure 3: Ginseng.

Ashwagandha

Synonym: Indian ginseng, winter cherry.

Biological source: Obtained from dried roots and stem of Withania somnifera Dunal.

Geographical source: It grows in India, the Middle-East and parts of Africa.

Family: Solaneace

Chemical constituents: This plant contains over 80 typical phytochemicals, including steroidal, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and volatile oil. Among these chemical ingredients, sitoindosides and withaferin A had the leading role in WS therapeutic effects (Figure 4).

Uses:

•Improve disease defence
•Prevent aging
•Rejuvenate the body in a vulnerable situation
•Generate a feeling of mental well-being
•Pain and inflammation
•Treat insomnia
•Boost nutrition

Figure 4: Ashwagandha.

Brahmi

Synonym: Water hyssop, Brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola.

Biological source: Brahmi is the fresh or dried herb of Centella asiatica (L.) (syn. Hydrocotyl asiatica Linn.

Family: Umbelliferae

Chemical constituents: Hersaponin, apigenin, D-mannitol, monnierasides I-III, plantainoside B and cucurbitacin; the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine and nicotine (Figure 5).

Uses

•Powerful antioxidants
•Improves brain function
•Anticancer
•Neuro relaxants

Figure 5: Brahmi.

Ginkgo

Synonym: Maidenhair tree.

Biological source: The leaves of Ginkgo are obtained from the dioeceous tree Ginkgo biloba.

Geographical source: Native to China.

Family: Ginkgoaceae

Chemical constituents: Terpene lactones ginkgo flavone ginkgetin, bilobetin and sciadopitysin (Figure 6).

Uses

•Treat brain
•Circulatory problems
•Respiratory conditions
•Stimulates the cerebral blood circulation

Figure 6: Ginkgo.

Punarnava

Synonym: Hogweed, sterling, tarvine, mukarati kirei and raktakunda.

Biological source: Species of flowering plant Boerhaavia diffusa.

Geographical source: Ceylon, Australia, Sudan and Malay Peninsula, extending to China, Africa, America and Islands of the Pacific.

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Chemical constituents: India and Sri Lanka, Himalaya, China, Malaysia and Africa (Figure 7).

Uses

•Liver disorders
•Urinary tract infection
•Obesity
•Rheumatoid arthritis

Figure 7: Punarnava.

Wolfberry

Synonym: Boxthorn, matrimony vine, desert thorn and Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense.

Biological source: Fruit of either Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense.

Geographical source: Ningxia, China.

Family: Solanaceae

Chemical constituents: Polysaccharides comprise 5%-8% of dried fruits and they are found in the water-soluble form of highly branched L (Figure 8).

Uses

•Anti-ageing activity
•Blurry vision
•Abdominal pain
•Infertility
•Dry cough
•Fatigue
•Dizziness
•Headache

Figure 8: Wolfberry.

Velvet bean

Synonym: Monkey tamarind, Bengal velvet bean and Florida velvet bean.

Biological source: It consists of dried seeds of Mucuna prurines Linn.

Family: Fabaceae

Chemical constituents: L-dopa, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, amino acid, resins and starch (Figure 9).

Uses

•Nourish the nervous system
•Support healthy sexual energy
•Strengthen and tone the reproductive organs
•Boosts dopamine levels

Figure 9: Velvet bean.

Green coffee

Synonym: Java beans, brew berry, roasted seeds, coffee grains and cherry stones.

Biological source: It consists of dried ripen seeds of Coffea arabica Linn.

Family: Rubiaceae

Chemical constituents: Caffeine, tannin, fixed oil, carbohydrates and proteins (Figure 10).

Uses

•Weight loss supplement
•Promote healthy blood sugar and blood pressure
•Positive effect on both short-term and long-term memory

Figure 10: Green coffee.

Drumstick tree

Synonym: Guilandina moringa

Biological source: It is obtained from dried seed/pods of Moringa oleifera.

Family: Moringaceae

Chemical constituents: Chlorophyll b,vitamin C, carotenoids, proteins, amino acids alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, phenolic acids and glucosinolates (Figure 11).

Uses

•Rich in vitamins and minerals
•Rich in amino acids
•Fight inflammation
•Rich in antioxidants

Figure 11: Drumstick.

Sweet flag

Synonym: Vekhand, vaccha

Biological source: It is obtained from stem of Acorus calamus L.

Family: Acoraceae

Chemical constituents: Beta asarone, alpha-asarone and methyl isoeuginol (Figure 12).

Uses

•Gastrointestinal diseases
•Perfume industry
•Memory booster

Figure 12: Sweet flag.

Conclusion

Medicinal plants and natural compounds, such as Withania somnifera, Ginseng, Baccopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Boerhevia diffusa, Wolfberry have been applied to prevent or alleviate neurological diseases and relief of neurological symptoms reported in in vivo or in clinical trials. Natural compounds in nano size range as a therapeutic agent possess the same activity as in native state.

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