Abstract:

Phytotherapy as a new emerging discipline is considered nowadays as a reference for the elaboration process of new drugs, due in part to its accessibility, affordability, and efficacy, especially in developing countries. This therapy based on natural resource has a long history and large scale of applications. Indeed, it was used in the past by many civilizations as a quick remedy to heal wounds, treat various inflammatory conditions, including fevers, arthritis but plants are also known for their relaxation property and their ability to reduce stress and anxiety. This explains in part why health care professionals are currently using and recommending it. Phenolic acids as a key class of secondary metabolites are well known for their antioxidant and antiinflammatory capacities. This class of phyto-compounds is currently given a new hope in the treatment of pathologies related to neurodegenerative process such as Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s diseases. This neuroprotective effect has been partially explained by scientists by the ability of phenolic acids to interfere with several signaling pathways to downgrade the process of oxidative stress in neurons and glial cells, considered the two key population of nervous system, that is why investigating in depth the pharmacological properties of phenolic acids is necessary in the actual era to allow the establishment of more effective strategies in the elaboration of neuroprotective drugs to face neurological disorders.

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