A review on phyto-nanotechnology for therapy of alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common chronic neurodegenerative disease (ND) that is mainly investigated nowadays because of its increased incidence and burden on the elderly population. It leads to atrophy of the brain. Clinical features of AD include loss of memory with impaired cognition and behaviour, which leads to mood instability and death. Aggregation of beta-amyloid protein(Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles within the neuronal cells are the accepted pathophysiological process of AD. Studies have demonstrated that medicinal plants and herbs could improve memory and cognitive function affected by AD. The bioavailability of active herbal components is affected by rapid metabolism, less permeability, and decreased stability within the CNS. Many studies have reported that the application of nanotechnology to plant extracts enhances the efficacy of extracts. Adding herbal extracts into the nanoparticle system could improve the action of extracts, promote the sustained release of bioactive components, decrease the required dose, and lower the side effects. Using published articles from trustworthy resources like PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library, with keywords like "natural products," "Alzheimer's disease," and "nanotechnology," herein we reviewed and summarized recent nano-drug delivery treatment strategies for AD using natural products.