Natural compounds for oxidative stress and neuroprotection in schizophrenia: composition, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

ABSTRACT

Objective

An imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms is believed to be a critical factor in the development of schizophrenia (SCZ) like neurological illnesses. Understanding the roles of ROS in the development of SCZ and the potential activity of natural antioxidants against SCZ could lead to more effective therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of the illness.

Methods

SCZ is a mental disorder characterised by progressive impairments in working memory, attention, and executive functioning. In present investigation, we summarized the experimental findings for understanding the role of oxidative stress (OS) in the development of SCZ and the potential neuroprotective effects of natural antioxidants in the treatment of SCZ.

Results

Current study supports the use of the mentioned antioxidant natural compounds as a potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of OS mediated neurodegeneration in SCZ.

Discussion

Elevated levels of harmful ROS and reduced antioxidant defense mechanisms are indicative of increased oxidative stress (OS), which is associated with SCZ. Previous research has shown that individuals with SCZ, including non-medicated, medicated, first-episode, and chronic patients, exhibit decreased levels of total antioxidants and GSH. Additionally, they have reduced antioxidant enzyme levels such as catalase (CAT), glutathione (GPx), and, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lower serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in their brain tissue. The mentioned natural antioxidants may assist in reducing oxidative damage in individuals with SCZ and increasing BDNF expression in the brain, potentially improving cognitive function and learning ability.

KEYWORDS:

• Schizophrenia
• brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• anti-oxidant
• medicinal plant
• ROS
• neuronal damage
• oxidative stress
• natural compound
• CNS

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors’ contributions

All authors have read and approved the manuscript. Anam. N. Khan: – Conceptualization, Writing, Original draft, Rahul. D. Jawarkar: – Conceptualization,Writing, Magdi E. A Zaki:-Writing, Aamal A. AI Mutairi:-Writing.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anam N. Khan

Anam Najib Khan is postgraduate (MS.Pharm) candidate in Natural Products department. She has completed her postgraduation from National Institute of pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Calcutta, India. Currently, she is working as an assistant professor at Dr Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, India. Her research interest include phytochemical screening of natural compounds, cell and molecular biology, cancer biology of natural molecules as potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and drug design. Among her recent research papers are Glucogallin Attenuates RAW 264.7 Cells from Arsenic Trioxide Induced Toxicity via the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway (2022). Molecular Docking, QSAR, and ADME Studies of Some Pyrrolo[1,2-a] benzimidazole-based quinones as Novel Topoisomerase 2 beta inhibitors (2024).

Rahul D. Jawarkar

Rahul D. Jawarkar is a Phd candidate in the organic chemistry from university of oriental, Indore, India. Currently, he is an associate professor of organic chemistry at the department of chemistry of Dr Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, India. Prof. jawarkar focuses on the synthesis, drug design, QSAR Molecular, Docking, QSAR Base virtual screening, pharmacophore modelling of synthetic and natural molecules as potent new anticancer agents, Alzheimer's disease, SARS Cov, antimalarial and drug design. He published more than 78 SCI papers.

Magdi E.A. Zaki

Prof Magdi E. A. Zaki graduated in Chemistry in 1980. Currently, he is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry of Imam Mohamed ibn Saud Islamic University, KSA, and permanently at the Photochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, where he is the scientific leader of the Advanced Organic Synthesis Group. Besides, exploring the reaction mechanism and ring transformation, transition metal chelates as potent new anticancer agents, Alzheimer's disease, nanomaterials, environmental research, organo-catalysis, bioinformatics, and drug design. He published more than 160 SCI papers, and 2 issued German and South Africa Patents.

Aamal A. Al Mutairi

Prof. Amal A. AI Mutairi graduated in chemistry in 1976. Currently, he is an assistant professor in the organic chemistry at Al-Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi arabia, KSA, and permanently at the Photochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, where he is the scientific leader of the Advanced Organic Synthesis Group. Prof. Mutairi focuses on the green chemistry in organic synthesis, drug design, QSAR Molecular, Docking, molecular dynamics simulation, DFT study of molecules as potent new anticancer agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidant, onco-immunomodulators agents. He published more than 30 SCI papers.