Effect of plant extracts on Alzheimer's disease: An insight into therapeutic avenues

J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2011 Jan;2(1):56-61. doi: 10.4103/0976-3147.80102.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastative neurodegenerative disorder which needs adequate studies on effective treatment options. The extracts of plants and their effect on the amelioration of AD symptoms have been extensively studied. This paper summarizes the mechanisms like acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, modification of monoamines, antiamyloid aggregation effect, and antioxidant activity which are actively entailed in the process of amelioration of AD symptoms. These effects are induced by extracts of a few plants of different origin like Yizhi Jiannao, Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree), Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo/Maidenhair tree), Cassia obtisufolia (Sicklepod), Desmodium gangeticum (Sal Leaved Desmodium), Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), and Salvia officinalis (Garden sage, common sage).

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; acetyl choline esterase inhibitors; antiamyloid aggregation; antioxidants; plant extracts..