Parkinson’s disease and nutraceuticals
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, whose motor symptoms result from the destruction of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, with unknown causes. The most obvious symptoms are movement-related including rigidity, slowness of movement, shaking and difficulty with walking and gait. The symptoms in advanced stages of the disease include thinking and behavioral problems. Depression is the most common psychiatric symptom and symptoms include sensory, emotional and sleep problems. Parkinson’s disease is more common in older people, with most cases occurring after the age of 50.
Although at present there is not sufficient scientific data to recommend nutritional supplements for Parkinson’s disease, some of these supplements have shown some promising results in preliminary studies. Vitamin E, glutathione, and creatine seem to be protective against Parkinson’s disease.
Miscellaneous complications and nutraceuticals
Angiogenesis is an enzymatic process that is generally down-regulated in healthy individuals. Antiangiogenic compounds are selective against newly formed blood vessels while sparing existing ones may not lead to side effects even after prolonged exposure. Antiangiogenic compounds may prevent diseases involving degenerative processes such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, AD and Parkinson’s diseases. Some bioactive compounds such as curcumin, flavins, isoflavones and catechins, resveratrol, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, Saponins, terpenes, Chitin, chitosan, Vitamins B3 and D3, Fatty acids, peptides and amino acids are potentially effective angiogenic compounds.
Moringa oleifera Lam has an impressive range of medicinal uses and is a good source various amino acids and phenolics, protein, vitamins, ?-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol and ?-carotene with high nutritional and therapeutic values. Various parts of this plant like leaves, seed, bark, fruit, roots, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, cholesterol lowering, antiulcer, antispasmodic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.