Ethnopharmacology and neurodegenerative disorders: Bridging traditional knowledge and modern medicine

Abstract

The rising prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches, and ethnopharmacology provides a promising link between traditional medicine and modern drug discovery. This paper examines how ethnopharmacological wisdom can be integrated with contemporary scientific methods to treat NDs like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Traditional practices, emphasizing holistic health and the use of natural substances, offer both symptomatic relief and insights into sustainable medicinal plant use. Modern ethnopharmacology has led to significant drug developments, such as aspirin and digoxin, showcasing its potential against NDs. However, challenges include validating the safety and efficacy of natural substances through clinical trials and addressing the limitations of current computational drug discovery methods. The paper advocates for a combined approach that honors traditional knowledge while leveraging advanced science to create effective ND treatments.