COMBATING PARKINSON DISEASE IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA: THE PROMISE OF INDIGENOUS HERBS IN LOW-RESOURCE THERAPEUTICS

Abstract

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, with a growing global burden and unique challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Limited diagnostic capacity, inadequate access to pharmacological therapies, and sociocultural perceptions exacerbate underdiagnosis and poor patient outcomes in the region. Emerging evidence highlights that natural products with multitarget activity, particularly indigenous herbs, may provide affordable and accessible therapeutic alternatives. These compounds address key mechanisms underlying PD pathophysiology, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and protein aggregation, while exhibiting relatively low toxicity. Prominent examples such as Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Camellia sinensis, and Phyllanthus amarus demonstrate neuroprotective potential in experimental models, though clinical validation in SSA populations remains scarce. Barriers such as poor bioavailability, lack of standardized formulations, and absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials continue to limit translation. To harness this potential, multidisciplinary collaborations that bridge ethnobotanical knowledge with modern biomedical science are required. Establishing regional research hubs, developing context-sensitive policies, and engaging local communities are critical steps for safe integration of indigenous herbal therapies into PD care. Harnessing Africa’s rich biodiversity could pioneer innovative, sustainable, and culturally consonant therapeutic strategies, transforming indigenous herbal medicine from a traditional practice into a viable public health intervention for PD management. Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, Herbal medicine, Neuroprotection, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethnobotany, and Translational research.