Parkinson’s disease: Etiopathogenesis, molecular basis and potential treatment opportunities

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases affect the life quality and lifespan of aging populations. Among all forms of neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a massive impact on the elderly. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main causes of neurodegeneration and progression of PD. Oxidative stress, which plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of PD, is related to the dysfunction of cellular antioxidant mechanisms as a result of enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. A large number of studies have utilized oxidative stress biomarkers to investigate the severity of neurodegeneration and medications are available, but these only treat the symptoms. Extensive studies scientifically validated the beneficial effect of natural products against neurodegenerative diseases, using suitable animal models. The review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and the protective potential of natural products against neurodegeneration.