A Comprehensive Review on Preclinical Evidence-based Neuroprotective Potential of Bacopa monnieri against Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and gradually progressive neurodegenerative disorder triggered due to the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons in the region of substantia nigra pars compacta characterized by the motor symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, akinesia, and postural instability. Proteinopathies, mitochondrial dysfunction induced dopaminergic neuronal deterioration, and gene mutations are the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The bioactive components of Brahmi, such as Bacoside A, Bacoside B, and Bacosaponins, belong to various chemical families. Brahmi's neuroprotective role includes reducing neuronal oxidative stress, dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation, and improvement of cognitive and learning behaviour. Researchers found that Bacopa monnieri significantly increased brain levels of glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Brahmi has a potent antioxidant property and neuroprotective effects against PD that help reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and enhance dopamine levels. The review collates all the preclinical studies that prove the beneficial neuroprotective effect of Brahmi for treating PD.