Organosulfur Compounds: Potential Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Several organosulfur compounds exhibit anti-Parkinson's disease (PD) activities. PD is a progressive and chronic neurodegenerative condition that causes motor and non-motor symptoms that severely reduce quality of life. A selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, in addition to several neuropathological mechanisms, has been implicated in PD. The present therapeutic techniques are mostly focused on providing symptomatic relief and frequently have significant side effects, which underscores the pressing need for innovative medicines that address the underlying causes of disease. Several organosulfur compounds, both synthesized and naturally occurring analogues, have gained attention as potential anti-PD molecules because of their wide range of biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant capabilities. Several organosulfur compounds have been shown to have potential neuroprotective benefits in preclinical research on PD. Their ability to attenuate neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are central to PD pathogenesis via modulation of cellular pathways and endogenous antioxidant defenses, provides multifaceted approaches to neuroprotection in PD. Thus, the current review provides the state of the art on the potential therapeutic effects of organosulfur compounds in PD. The natural and synthetic sources of anti-PD organosulfur compounds, including their physical properties, chemical properties, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and therapeutic effects in PD, were discussed. The challenges and future directions of organosulfur compounds as potential anti-PD drugs and their clinical trial prospects were also highlighted. This is aimed at paving the way for the development of more effective and sustainable treatment strategies for PD.