Reevaluating Alzheimer’s disease treatment: Can phytochemicals bridge the therapeutic Gap?

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing neurological disorder giving impact cognition and memory, posing a global health challenge with over 55 million individuals affected. It is the 7th foremost cause of dying worldwide, and its pervasiveness is expected to twofold in each five years, reaching 115 million by 2050. AD is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and oxidative stress, leading to synaptic failure and cognitive decline. Currently, there is no cure, and available FDA-approved drugs provide only symptomatic relief. The disease progresses through five phases- mild cognitive impairment (MCI), very severe, severe, moderate and mild AD. Research on AD focuses on various neurodegenerative pathways, including inflammation, oxidative stress, genetic factors, environmental variables, and amyloid-beta accumulation. Existing FDA-accepted drugs, like rivastigmine, memantine, galantamine, and donepezil, primarily address early symptoms but have limitations, including side effects and high costs. In this context, phytochemicals from plants, such as resveratrol, huperzine, quercetin, galantamine, and rosmarinic acid, show promise as potential treatments for AD and overcome the challenges and limitation of conventional treatment. These natural substances are being investigated for their ability to lower the risk of AD safely. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge about their application, necessitating further research and clinical trials to explore their potential benefits and limitations. This review serves as an essential reference for advancing future studies on Alzheimer’s disease. By thoroughly analyzing neurodegenerative pathways, addressing drug limitations, and highlighting the potential of phytochemicals, we establish a strong foundation for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Closing the knowledge gap related to the use of phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s management is not just important; it is critical for creating novel and more effective treatments for this challenging neurological condition.