Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Neurodegenerative Disorders

This book reviews the potential of natural products in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative disorders. The introductory chapter provides fundamental insights into neurodegenerative disorders. Subsequently, the book covers the therapeutic potential of polyphenols and other agents for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the application of natural ingredients for Friedreich’s ataxia, and the combined effects of natural ingredients in addressing Huntington’s disease. The book also explores conventional therapeutic regimens for Lewy body disease and examines the synergistic effects of both natural and synthetic agents. Furthermore, the chapters discuss the utilization of natural extracts in the management of spinal muscular atrophy while examining broader synthetic management approaches. The second section of the book explores nanodelivery systems for managing neurodegenerative disorders. It discusses synergistic treatment approaches, followed by an analysis of advanced techniques such as electron spinning and electron spraying, and their application in neurodegenerative disorders. The book also reviews the therapeutic potential of flavonoids in managing neurodegenerative disorders. Toward the end, the book also examines the ethical framework of natural remedies used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This book is intended for neuroscientists and researchers in the fields of neurology, pharmacology, and nanotechnology.

Ghulam Md Ashraf is an accomplished biochemist and molecular neuroscientist with 15 years of experience in research, teaching, and innovation across the biological, health, and medical sciences. He holds a dual degree—Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Aligarh Muslim University, India) and PGDBA in Operations Management (Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning, India)—and completed the prestigious Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Canada, enhancing his pedagogical expertise. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. His lab investigates serotonin receptor signaling, develops selective modulators to counteract pathological protein aggregation, and advances next-generation Multiple Sclerosis therapies, including engineered interferons and nanomedicine-based neuroprotective delivery. Dr. Ashraf is recognized among the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide since 2021 (Stanford–PLOS–Elsevier), the leading Biochemistry Scientist in the UAE (AD Scientific Index), and a World Expert in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Expertscape). He is listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the World (since 2020), has received the Publons/Web of Science Top Reviewer Awards in Cross-Field and Biology & Biochemistry (2019), holds 4 international patents, and has authored nearly 450 publications with ~20,000 citations (H-index ~70). Dr. Ashraf has held leadership roles in research administration and laboratory management and has extensive editorial experience with journals including Journal of Advanced Research, Scientific Reports, and Plos One. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (FRSM), a Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB), and an active member of international scientific societies such as the Canadian Academy of Neuroscience and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Ashraf’s work exemplifies the integration of advanced research, innovation, and global collaboration to advance biomedical science and improve human health.

Karri V. V. S. Narayana Reddy is Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics at JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, India. A proud alumnus of the same institution, he completed his B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty. Recognized among the Top 2% of Scientists in the World by Stanford University for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), Dr. Reddy has made significant contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. His expertise spans nanodrug delivery, diabetic wound healing, and biomaterials, with a particular focus on natural products and innovative formulations. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles, authored several book chapters, and holds multiple patents related to advanced drug delivery systems. Dr. Reddy also serves as a research coordinator, an active Ph.D. guide, and is on the editorial board and review panels of reputed international journals.

is Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Health in the USA. She completed her Ph.D. at JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, and has published more than 35 national and international research articles in journals of high repute. Over the past five years, her research has focused on cancer and its therapeutic approaches, with an additional interest in aging, COVID-19, and neurodegenerative disorders.

is Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2007 from King Abdulaziz University and completed his Master of Science in Biology in 2014 at Laurentian University in Canada. He earned his Ph.D. in biomolecular sciences from Laurentian University in Canada in 2019. Dr. Zari’s research interests encompass the examination of the effects of medicinal plants and their bioactive components on various cancer cells and other diseases using biomolecular techniques in vitro and in vivo to investigate their potential effectiveness as pharmaceutical sources. Additionally, he investigates the potential benefits and risks of using nanomaterials for therapeutic purposes. Dr. Zari is also involved in in silico prediction of cancer inhibitors and protein modeling for antitumor activity. He has diverse teaching experiences at the graduate and postgraduate levels in the fields of general biology, molecular biology, cell biology, natural products, and animal physiology at King Abdulaziz University.

is Professor and Head, Department of Pharmaceutics (DST-FIST Sponsored), JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty (JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru). He holds M.Pharm (1996) and Ph.D. (2007) degrees from the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. With over two decades of academic and research experience, he has developed industry relevant academic programs and led collaborative projects in intranasal and nanotechnology-based drug delivery. His current focus is on optimized and personalized drug delivery systems. He has guided over 50 PG and 18 Ph.D. scholars. He has executed several government-funded projects in areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and space medicine, receiving grants from DST-SERB, AICTE, ICMR, DBT, and SPARC. He has played a significant role in technology transfers and serves as a consultant for multiple pharmaceutical industries. Dr. Gowthamarajan has been consistently listed among the top 2% scientists globally by Stanford University and Elsevier for the past three consecutive years (2022–2024). He has over 150 peer-reviewed publications and 23 patents and is a member of national academic bodies, editorial boards, and regulatory committees.