Overview of the effects of andrographolide on disorders of the central nervous system

Andrographolide (ANDRO) is the major bioactive constituent of the plant Andrographis paniculata. This plant has been widely used for centuries for its several therapeutic properties. Preclinical studies show that ANDRO possesses antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties and is capable of inducing neurogenesis. In addition, ANDRO exhibits neuroprotective and antiapoptotic effects. These effects are mechanistically linked to increased expression of several neuroprotective proteins such as BDNF and Akt, as well as the inhibition of several antineuroplasticity proteins, such as GSK3ß. These effects and mechanisms of action have been linked to the attenuation of symptoms of several diseases and disorders. As for disorders of the central nervous system, many preclinical studies indeed demonstrate the therapeutic potential of ANDRO for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia, multiple sclerosis, and depression. ANDRO is also already being tested in its first clinical trials, which makes it an even more interesting drug for further studies on its exact mechanism of action and to determine its potential efficacy for the management of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.