Title:A Comprehensive Review on Preclinical Evidence-based Neuroprotective
Potential of Bacopa monnieri against Parkinson's Disease
Volume: 23
Issue: 9
Author(s): Ahsas Goyal*, Sainu Gopika, Abhishek Kumar and Debapriya Garabadu
Affiliation:
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, U.P., India
Keywords:
Brahmi, neuroprotection, Parkinson’s, dopamine, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
Abstract: Parkinson's disease is a chronic and gradually progressive neurodegenerative disorder triggered
due to the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons in the region of substantia nigra pars compacta
characterized by the motor symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, akinesia, and postural instability.
Proteinopathies, mitochondrial dysfunction induced dopaminergic neuronal deterioration, and gene
mutations are the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The bioactive components of Brahmi, such as
Bacoside A, Bacoside B, and Bacosaponins, belong to various chemical families. Brahmi's neuroprotective
role includes reducing neuronal oxidative stress, dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, mitochondrial
dysfunction, inflammation, inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation, and improvement of cognitive
and learning behaviour. Researchers found that Bacopa monnieri significantly increased brain
levels of glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Brahmi
has a potent antioxidant property and neuroprotective effects against PD that help reduce oxidative
stress and neuroinflammation and enhance dopamine levels. The review collates all the preclinical
studies that prove the beneficial neuroprotective effect of Brahmi for treating PD.