Herbal Medicines and Their Neuroprotective Effects in Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Symptoms

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease(AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common form of dementia which affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide. AD is characterized by a gradual decline in memory associated with shrinkage of brain tissue, localized loss of neurons mainly in the hippocampus and basal forebrain, and diminished level of central cholinergic neurotransmitter acetylcholine thereby causing trouble with memory, thinking, behaviour and social life. Many of the current drugs taken to treat the disease, such as donepezil, have unpleasant side effects and doctors are keen to find alternatives. Herbs and various naturally occurring compounds may play a promising role in the early treatment of AD and other conditions involving poor memory and dementia. One of the chief benefits is that they have low toxicity compared to pharmaceutical agents. This review will indicate the neuroprotective effect of various medicinal herbs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.