Neuropharmacological activities of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. in the context of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: A mini review

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and/or their functions, leading to cognitive and motor impairments. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, while Parkinson's primarily affects movement. Currently, there are limited therapeutic options, and none can prevent or reverse disease progression. Plants, a cornerstone of traditional medicine, remain a source of potential remedies due to their multi-target effects on key metabolic processes involved in disease pathologies. This makes them promising candidates for halting or even curing these disorders. One such plant is Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. This review highlights the traditional uses and experimental evidence of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, explores the underlying mechanisms and neuropharmacological constituents, and examines its toxicological profile, emphasizing the need for further research into clinical applications.