α-Phellandrene: A Promising Natural Remedy for Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the pro-gressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily offer symptomatic relief without halt-ing disease progression. This has driven the exploration of natural compounds with neuropro-tective properties. In previous studies, α-phellandrene, a monoterpene present in essential oils of various aromatic plants, has shown promise in mitigating neurodegenerative processes. This study focuses on alpha-phellandrene's therapeutic potential in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease model. Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, is commonly used to induce PD-like symptoms in experimental models due to its ability to mimic the neurodegenerative processes observed in human PD. Our review explores the neuroprotective effects of alpha-phellandrene, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Experimental groups of rodents received rotenone to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by alpha-phellandrene treatment. Biochemical analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signals in brain tissues. Results indi-cated that alpha-phellandrene administration significantly improved motor function and re-duced rotenone-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in dopaminergic neu-rons. Histopathological examinations revealed a notable preservation of neuronal integrity in alpha-phellandrene-treated groups compared to controls. In conclusion, alpha-phellandrene demonstrates considerable neuroprotective effects in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's dmodel. These findings suggest that alpha-phellandrene could be a promising natural therapeutic agent for PD, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. Specifically, our review indicates that alpha-phellandrene may exert neuropro-tective effects by various mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress, modulating neuro-transmitter levels, or inhibiting neuroinflammation. These mechanisms highlight its potential to alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression, underscoring the need for in-depth studies to validate these therapeutic effects in clinical settings.