Plants, Pills, and the Brain: Exploring Phytochemicals and Neurological Medicines

Author(s): Arnav Aggarwal, Resmi Rajalekshmi, Anshu Aggarwal, Devendra K. Agrawal

Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, represent substantial global health challenges due to their chronic and often progressive nature. While allopathic medicine offers a range of pharmacological interventions aimed at managing symptoms and mitigating disease progression, it is accompanied by limitations, including adverse side effects, the development of drug resistance, and incomplete efficacy. In parallel, phytochemicals—bioactive compounds derived from plants—are receiving increased attention for their potential neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review will explore the therapeutic landscape of neurological diseases by providing a comprehensive overview of prevalent conditions and the current allopathic treatments available. Furthermore, this review will investigate specific phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, that exhibit promise in modulating various disease pathways. Emphasis will be placed on the interactions between plant-derived compounds and prescription medications, highlighting both potential synergistic effects and possible adverse interactions. A thorough understanding of these interactions is essential for the development of integrative treatment approaches that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing harm. By bridging traditional herbal medicine with contemporary pharmacotherapy, this review aims to promote a more holistic perspective on the management of neurological diseases, while also encouraging further research into safe and effective combinatory therapies.