Neuroprotection mediated by natural products and their chemical derivatives

Neuronal injuries can lead to various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, trauma, ischemia and, more specifically, glaucoma and optic neuritis. The cellular mechanisms that regulate neuronal death include calcium influx and calcium overload, excitatory amino acid release, oxidative stress, inflammation and microglial activation. Much attention has been paid to the effective prevention and treatment of neuroprotective drugs by natural products. This review summarizes the neuroprotective aspects of natural products, extracted from Panax ginseng, Camellia sinensis, soy and some other plants, and some of their chemical derivatives. Their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory action and their inhibition of apoptosis and microglial activation are assessed. This will provide new directions for the development of novel drugs and strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.