Effects of Mucuna pruriens (L.) supplementation on experimental models of parkinson's disease: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction:Mucuna pruriens (L.)DC. (Mp) has been used in the treatment of numerous diseases in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, mainly for delaying the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), and has as its main component levodopa (L-DOPA). The aim of this work is to systematically review the effects of Mp supplementation on experimental models of PD due to its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. MATERIALS AND Methods: The search was conducted through PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases, where a number of relevant articles were found. Results: Mp demonstrated significant positive responses in the experimental models of PD by improving motor deficits and by enhancing the activity of the antioxidant systems, reducing oxidative stress. In addition, it presented some advantages when compared to a conventional antiparkinsonian drug as it minimized the occurrence and severity of dyskinesias. Conclusion: Thus, considering that the use of herbal medicines decreases the likelihood of side effects associated with the pharmaceutical drugs, this work aims to summarize and evaluate the data available regarding the mechanism of action of Mp and the reported benefits of this plant as an alternative to improve the quality of life of individuals with PD.

Paradigms and Success Stories of Natural Products in Drug Discovery Against Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDDs)

“…Additionally, the plant is used in the treatment of depressive neurosis and snakebites. Studies have shown the preventive effects of M. pruriens against neurological damage caused by bilateral carotid artery occlusion-induced global cerebral ischaemia in rats that warrants its adjuvant use to improve the life quality of PD patients [ 160 , 161 ].…”

Natural Products-based Drugs: Potential Drug Targets Against Neurological Degeneration

“…It can cross BBB as suggested by the presence of c-phycocyanin which is a product of spirulina, in the hippocampus. Also, it has shown cytoprotective activity against neurodegeneration via an antioxidant mechanism [ 38 , 39 , 43 - 45 ].…”

“…However, researchers focused on their commercial use and tend to formulate the drug delivery system of the formulations particularly the nano drug delivery systems for the bacterial algae. However, the use of marine algae as a commercial drug delivery system is limited because of its inability to cross BBB [ 45 - 49 ].…”