“Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain’s immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system.
Medicinal plants, with their historical use in traditional medicine, have emerged as promising candidates to mitigate neuroinflammation and offer a sustainable alternative for addressing neurodegenerative conditions in a green healthcare framework.
This review evaluates the effects of medicinal plants on neuroinflammation, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, effective dosages, and clinical implications, based on a systematic search of databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science.
The key findings highlight that plants like Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala, Curcuma longa,
Cannabis sativa,
and Dioscorea nipponica reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), inhibit enzymes (COX-2 and iNOS), and activate antioxidant pathways, particularly Nrf2. NF-κB emerged as the primary pro-inflammatory pathway inhibited across studies. While the anti-inflammatory potential of these plants is significant, the variability in dosages and phytochemical compositions limits clinical translation.
Here, we highlight that medicinal plants are effective modulators of neuroinflammation, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on animal models, standardized protocols, and safety assessments, integrating advanced methodologies, such as genetic studies and nanotechnology, to enhance their applicability in neurodegenerative disease management.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39861194/
“Addressing neuroinflammation to reduce disease severity and improve patient outcomes is a promising strategy against neurodegeneration. From a molecular perspective, there are several conventional drug targets for neuroinflammation, such as enzymes, receptors, and ion channels. However, the high cost of synthetic drugs presents a challenge, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches. This has heightened interest in naturally occurring medicinal plants known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These plants are often more cost-effective and have been safely utilized in treatments for thousands of year.”