Investigating Holistic Natural Strategies for The Management of Huntington's Disease

¹ Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
² Lovely School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India

^* Corresponding author: pragati.silakari@chitkara.edu.in: p.silakari@gmail.com

Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD), a multifaceted neurological disorder, presents a complex clinical scenario. An autosomal dominant neurodegenerative ailment called Huntington's disease is brought on by increase in number of CAG (Cytosine-Adenine-Guanine) repeats, which causes the creation of a mutant Huntingtin protein (mHTT) resulting in neuronal death and mental disabilities in human beings. End signs and symptoms can include significant weight loss, difficulty swallowing or breathing, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, declined health and uncontrolled pain. The excessive production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) in nervous tissues is considered a significant risk factor in most of the neurological diseases including HD. Transcriptional regulation, immunological system, and mitochondrial function are all disrupted by mHTT. Although natural products have shown promise in ameliorating symptoms, it is important to note that no singular "phytoconstituent" has been definitively linked to its therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, certain naturally occurring compounds have exhibited promising outcomes in preclinical investigations. This article focuses on a few phytoconstituents that are known to have a variety of neuroprotective effects through a wide range of biological activities. By stimulating the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor) pathway and suppressing NF-κB (Nuclear Factor Kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), astaxanthin, berberine, and sulfarophane increase the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, resulting in neuroprotection. Curcumin leads to metal chelating effect and decline in reactive oxygen species which are certainly one among the vital processes to impede and manage the disorders causing neurodegeneration including HD. This affects the upregulation of HSPs (Heat Shock Proteins) which helps in HD management. Naringin reduces level of oxidative stress and inflammation by free radical scavenging, NF-κB stimulates cell survival and prevents apoptosis by upregulating anti-apoptotic genes expression and downregulating proapoptotic genes.