Recent Advances in Medicinal Plant Research for Mitigating Aluminium Toxicity

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Phytomedicine

Background:

• Aluminium is a common environmental contaminant, physiologically non-essential for humans.
• Chronic exposure to elevated aluminium levels can cause significant harm to vital organ systems, particularly the nervous, blood, and musculoskeletal systems.
• Aluminium toxicity is a growing concern, linked to various serious health complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review research on the protective effects of medicinal plants against aluminium toxicity over the past 21 years.
• To identify plant species with demonstrated efficacy in mitigating aluminium-induced adverse effects.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying the protective properties of these medicinal plants.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies published over the last 21 years.
• Analysis of research investigating the effects of medicinal plants on experimental models of aluminium toxicity (animals, cells, tissues).
• Identification of plants demonstrating significant amelioration of aluminium-induced pathophysiological complications.

Main Results:

• Thirty-four medicinal plant species have demonstrated the ability to mitigate experimental aluminium toxicity.
• These plants effectively improve aluminium-induced pathophysiological complications in various biological systems.
• Key mechanisms of action include modulation of oxidative stress-inflammatory pathways and inhibition of cholinesterase activity.

Conclusions:

• Medicinal plants offer a viable source for developing protective agents against aluminium toxicity.
• The identified plants and their mechanisms provide a basis for potential nutraceutical or phytotherapeutic strategies.
• Further research may lead to novel treatments for aluminium toxicity and associated neurodegenerative diseases.