Current Understanding on the Beneficial Role of Nutrition in Parkinson’s Disease –An Overview

: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterised by degeneration of the neurons of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway of the brain. The pharmacological cornerstone of PD management is mainly the use of dopamine precursors, dopamine receptor agonists, and agents that inhibit biochemical degradation of dopamine. While these drugs initially relief symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients, progression of the underlying pathological processes such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation (which have been strongly associated with PD and other neurodegenerative disorders) eventually reduces their benefits; making further benefits now only achievable at high doses which amplify the magnitude and frequency of side-effects. Also, while it is becoming obvious that mainstream pharmacological agents may not always provide the much-needed answer, the question remains what succour can nature provide through dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and herbal remedies? This narrative review examines current literature for evidence of the possible roles (if any) of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and herbal remedies in the prevention or management of PD, by examining how these compounds could modulate key factors and pathways that are crucial to the pathogenesis and/or progression of PD. The likely limitations of this approach and its possible future roles in PD prevention and management are also considered.

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Protective effect of caffeine and/or taurine on the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease: Behavioral and neurochemical evidence

Abuirmeileh

Abuhamdah

Ashraf

et al. 2021

Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience

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Background: Caffeine and taurine, which possess neuro-modulatory activity happen to be consumed together as part of the constituents of energy drinks, could have beneficial effects and prevent neuronal deterioration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: This study aimed to investigate behavioral and neurochemical effects of these two agents in an animal model of PD at two time points to evaluate possible neuro-protective or neuro- modulatory effects. Methods: Stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rat striatum was used to model PD-like behavior in animals. Motor behavior was assessed by a characteristic rotation behavior response to the apomorphine challenge and dopamine levels in the striatum were quantified using HPLC-ED. Results: A reduction in apomorphine induced rotations following administration of caffeine and/or taurine as compared to the untreated lesioned group (controls) was shown. Significant decreases in dopamine levels were also seen in the ipsilateral side of 6-OHDA group, this effect was not significantly reversed in caffeine and taurine treated groups. Treatments partially restored the content of DA levels in the lesioned striatum. Conclusions: Current results demonstrated beneficial effects for the combination of caffeine and taurine in PD animal model, suggesting that consumption of both agents could be a new added therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease prevention and treatment.

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Current Understanding on the Beneficial Role of Nutrition in Parkinson’s Disease –An Overview

Cited by 3 publications

References 102 publications

Micronutrients and Parkinson’s Disease

Micronutrients and Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease: Is there a Role for Dietary and Herbal Supplements?

Protective effect of caffeine and/or taurine on the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease: Behavioral and neurochemical evidence

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