ABSTRACT
Abstract-Mounting evidence suggests that neurological dysfunctions have accelerated among the world patient population. The present chapter focuses on pathogenesis and protection of two such prevailing disorders of the central nervous system — epilepsy and Parkinsonism. While epilepsy is more prevalent among the young, the older generation of the population is affected by Parkinsonism. Although a wide variety of drugs are available for treatment of these nervous system disorders, neither any prophylaxis nor cure is available; therapy is symptomatic. There is a need for new drugs that can halt the course of progression of the underlying disorder. Mechanisms that underlie the disease process constitute potential target areas for development of newer therapeutic drugs. Inflammation in the brain has traditionally been recognised as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders. However, newer sources like neurochemical, environmental toxicants and oxidative stress have been implicated as risk factors in such neurological diseases and a combination of these factors is likely to be responsible for disease onset and progression. Effort is being devoted to novel approaches elucidating neurochemical, genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms of such neurologicaldisorders. Researchers are now aiming to design therapeutic agents free from toxic side effects and, in the search for an ideal therapy, focus has shifted to development of therapeutic agents from herbal sources. Neurotherapeutics from natural reserves seems to be the emerging strategy.
