Neuroprotection in a Spice Jar

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving α-synuclein aggregation in the substantia nigra and the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Its pathophysiology involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired neurotransmission, and neuroinflammation. The existing treatments, including levodopa, dopamine agonists, and monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, are symptomatic but fail to halt disease progression or side effects, and therefore, neuroprotective strategies are needed. Zingiber officinale (ginger) contains phenolic compounds (6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, zingerone, and paradol) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Preclinical studies show the neuroprotection of ginger by scavenging reactive oxygen species, enhancing defenses, inhibiting mediators, and controlling signaling cascades. Although clinical trials in PD are lacking, cognitive improvement has been reported with minimal side effects. Overall, ginger's bioactives are promising adjuvant neuroprotectants that require rigorous clinical evaluation