Neuroprotective potential of cinnamon and its metabolites in Parkinson's disease: Mechanistic insights, limitations, and novel therapeutic opportunities

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder with obscure etiology and no disease‐modifying therapy to date. Hence, novel, safe, and low cost‐effective approaches employing medicinal plants are currently receiving increased attention. A growing body of evidence has revealed that cinnamon, being widely used as a spice of unique flavor and aroma, may exert neuroprotective effects in several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. In vitro evidence has indicated that the essential oils of Cinnamomum species, mainly cinnamaldehyde and sodium benzoate may protect against oxidative stress‐induced cell death, reactive oxygen species generation, and autophagy dysregulation, thus acting in a potentially neuroprotective manner. In vivo evidence has demonstrated that oral administration of cinnamon powder and sodium benzoate may protect against dopaminergic cell death, striatal neurotransmitter dysregulation, and motor deficits in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine mouse models of PD. The underlying mechanisms of its action include autophagy regulation, antioxidant effects, upregulation of Parkin, DJ‐1, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, as well as modulation of the TLR/NF‐κB pathway and inhibition of the excessive proinflammatory responses. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cinnamon extracts may affect the oligomerization process and aggregation of α‐synuclein. Herein, we discuss recent evidence on the novel therapeutic opportunities of this phytochemical against PD, indicating additional mechanistic aspects that should be explored, and potential obstacles/limitations that need to be overcome, for its inclusion in experimental PD therapeutics.

DNA Methylation: A Promising Approach in Management of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Several gene locations that are associated with familial Parkinson’s disease, such as Parkinson’s disease (PARK 1-15) and other genes, have been identified through genetic studies. Other genes linked to sporadic PD have been identified, including leucine-rich repeat kinase-2, alpha-synuclein, microtubule-associated protein tau, and encoding for the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase [ 115 , 116 ].…”

The Potential Role of Cinnamon in Human Health

“…Compounds of cinnamon extract are responsible for the regulation of mitochondria and apoptosis functioning. Cinnamon compounds containing sodium benzoate are promising natural products against PD [56].…”

Neuroprotective Potential of Chrysin: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential for Neurological Disorders

“…PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by motor (bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors) and non-motor manifestations (pain, bladder and bowel disorders, depression). The chronic condition often disables the patient with shuffling gait, improper balance, and cognitive impairment [5,81].…”

“…Due to the elevated contribution of injury-related and non-communicable neurological disorders, research has been focused on the development of suitable management strategies. The most common neurological disorders include stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, brain tumor, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), being responsible for major disabilities worldwide [1][2][3][4][5].…”