Utilizing Gold Nanoparticles in Therapy for Patients With Parkinson Disease

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) encounter several challenges when looking for treatment options. Some treatment options are not compatible with some patients, and patients with PD are challenged every day with symptoms such as rapid degradation. The use of gold nanoparticles (NP) to mimic enzyme activities could alleviate oxidative stress. Green synthesis of NP is a new environmentally friendly approach that could enhance PD therapy and counteract the pathogenic processes that lead to degradation.

In recent developments, experts use NP in chemical reactions as catalysts. In these reactions, the nanoparticles mimic the natural activities of enzymes. They eliminate O2 by copying superoxide dismutase-like activities, break down H202 to water and oxygen through catalase-copied activities, and catalyze oxidation reactions with peroxides by copying peroxidase activity. The gold-based nanoparticle that patients can intake in a drinkable bicarbonate solution is currently being investigated for its potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders. Patients with PD could benefit from this research as a future alternative form of treatment. In a recent phase 2 clinical trial of oral CNM-Au8, the therapy was shown to increase the NAD+/NADH (cellular energy production) ratio by 10.4% without any severe adverse events and improved motor function.

There are several forms of green synthesis in NP for patients with PD. Curcuma longa, has polyphenolic compound curcuminoids that contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Hibiscus syriacus linn, is mostly used as an antidepressant but also holds anticancer, antioxidant, antiaging, and neuroprotective properties. H performatum is another form of green synthesis that is used as an antidepressant. Paeonia suffruticosa, fights back against PD symptoms like degradation. Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum cassia can enhance cell viability and reduce ROS levels. Piperine can treat a variety of diseases and has healing effects ranging from microbial infections and hypertension to cancer and neurological disorders. Bacopa monnieri is also well known for its ability to fight neurological disorders symptoms and improve memory. Mucana pruriens, is well known for antiepileptic, anticancer, and anticancer properties. With so many different capabilities, green synthesis is an important avenue for researchers to study alternative therapies for patients with PD.

Gold can enhance the performance of plants therapeutic capabilities via combination through green synthesis. Matter with plant origins can have dopaminergic activity, the ability to target α-synuclein aggregation, monoamine oxidases inhibition, and antioxidant capabilities. Including fruits, as fruits in combination with gold, have shown an ability to improve symptoms in patients with PD. Researchers are looking to use green synthesis with fruits, specifically berries, for PD treatment.

Patients diagnosed with PD face a large amount of physical and health related challenges in their everyday life. Typically, prescribed treatments for PD can also affect patients’ bioavailability and may have poor brain penetration. NPs have the potential to improve how therapies are distributed to patients and enhance the delivery of the medication. Future research is necessary to understand the full potential of gold and plant synthesis. Still, it could simplify the treatment process and offer a brighter future to those with a PD diagnosis.

Reference

Grancharova T, Simeonova S, Pilicheva B, et al. Gold nanoparticles in Parkinson’s disease therapy: A focus on plant-based green synthesis. Cureus. 2024;16(2). doi:10.7759/cureus.54671