Unravelling the role of nutraceutical supplements in treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) causes motor dysfunction that usually begins in the elderly population. The prevalence rate of PD is increasing significantly. Currently available therapies are able to manage the disease, however, they have certain side effects associated with long term usage. Hence, there is a dire need to bring therapies that can offer good treatment to PD with less side effects. Recent research has revealed that food supplements which are specifically rich in antioxidants and vitamins have shown better efficacy against PD with a better safety profile. Hence, the present study focuses on the role of nutraceuticals in treatment of PD. Nutritional supplements targeting PD pathology were explored between 2016 and 2022 through Scopus, google scholar and PubMed. The review deciphered the neuroprotective benefits of vitamins, minerals, natural compounds, and phytochemicals that might procrastinate or help in the prevention of PD’s progression by targeting some of the major pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, misfolding of alpha-synuclein, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Various studies indicating the potential of nutraceutical supplements are discussed in detail.