Neuroprotective Properties of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Parkinson’s Disease: A Review

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disease is a collective term given for the clinical condition, which results in progressive degeneration of neurons and the loss of functions associated with the affected brain region. Apart from the increase in age, neurodegenerative diseases are also partly affected by diet and lifestyle practices. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slow onset neurodegenerative disorder and the second most common neurodegenerative disease, which affects the motor system. Although there is no prescribed treatment method to prevent and cure PD, clinical procedures help manage the disease symptoms. Green tea polyphenols are known for several health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activity. The current manuscript summarizes the possible mechanisms of neuroprotective potential of green tea with a special focus on PD. Studies have suggested that the consumption of green tea protects against free-radicals, inflammation, and neuro-damages. Several in vivo studies aid in understanding the overall mechanism of green tea. However, the same dose may not be sufficient in humans to elicit similar effects due to complex physiological, social, and cultural development. Future research focused on more clinical trials could identify an optimum dose that could impart maximum health benefits to impart neuroprotection in PD.

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“…PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide being characterized by a progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons [ 39 , 40 ]. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of these neurons still remain vague; however, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation are thought to play an important role in dopaminergic neurotoxicity in PD [ 4 ].…”

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Supplementation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Human Studies

“…No cure exists for NDDs, particularly in advanced stages. The drugs that are approved by the FDA, such as acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) as well as levodopa for PD, which crosses the blood–brain barrier and restores dopamine levels in the substantia nigra, only ameliorate the symptoms and slow the progression of the diseases for several years [ 1 ]. Newer therapy approaches that are focused on neuroregeneration, i.e., structural and functional recovery of the damaged nervous system through immunomodulation, inhibition of formation of protein aggregates, disaggregation of misfolded proteins, and induction of autophagy, give hope that the degeneration process of afflicted neurons might be slowed and the recovery rates and longevity improved [ 222 ].…”

“…Neurodegenerative diseases is a collective term for the clinical conditions characterized by gradual and progressive severe damage to neuronal cells, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), which results in the loss of functions that are associated with the affected brain region [ 1 , 2 ]. Different in etiology and clinical symptomatology, NDDs share some common features at the cellular and molecular levels, such as protein misfolding, aggregation, and deposition; mitochondrial disfunction; chronic inflammation; and, oxidative damage of biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, and DNA ( Figure 1 ).…”

Dietary Anti-Aging Polyphenols and Potential Mechanisms

“…The brain requires comparably high amount of oxygen [ 51 ] and the impaired oxidative balance in the brain has been substantially determined as the common feature of neurodegenerative diseases [ 52 , 53 ]. Mounting research have reported the utilization of natural polyphenols on neurodegenerative diseases due to their antioxidant and anti-aging properties [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Grape is an evident example of fruits that contain a high content of polyphenols [ 59 ].…”