Parkinson’s disease and pepper: exploring their therapeutic potential
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2026.27.3.11Keywords:
Pepper, Parkinson´s disease, neuroprotection, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, oxidative stress, piperineAbstract
Parkinson’s disease is the world’s second most common neurodegenerative disorder, causing slow movements, rigidity, postural instability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. In affected brains, alpha-synuclein protein aggregates build up alongside oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and neuronal death. There is still no cure: current treatments only manage symptoms. Enter piperine, a compound found in pepper with neuroprotective properties that has shown promising results in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. Clinical trials in Parkinson’s patients don’t exist yet, though they do for other neurodegenerative disorders. This article explores the mechanisms behind that protective potential and why piperine could become an accessible, cost-effective supplement capable of reducing complications like polypharmacy and improving the lives of millions of people.
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