Medicinal Plants Used in Management and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease in Africa: An Insight into Therapeutic Avenues and Possible Development as Future Phytopharmaceuticals

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder which needs adequate studies on effective treatment options. The extracts of plants and their effect on the amelioration of AD symptoms have been extensively studied. This review summarizes the use of medicinal plants in treatments and management of Alzheimers disesase, its mechanisms and active primary metabolite responsible for its mode of action and possible future development of this plant extracts into phytopharmaceuticals.The medicinal plants used in management of Alzheimers disease in Africa particularly in Nigeria includes: Yizhi Jiannao, Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree), Cassia obtisufolia (Sicklepod), Desmodium gangeticum (Sal Leaved Desmodium), Melissa offiffiffi cinalis (Lemon Balm), and Salvia offiffiffi cinalis (Garden sage, common sage).

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Antiamyloid aggregation, Antioxidants, Acetyl choline esterase inhibitor, Plant extracts.

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-10-04

Publication date:May 31^st 2020