Scopoletin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Disorders: Mechanisms and Perspectives

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, continue to pose significant challenges due to their complex aetiology and limited treatment options. Scopoletin, a naturally occurring coumarin found in a variety of medicinal plants, is being explored as a potential therapeutic agent because of its broad pharmacological profile. This review investigates scopoletin's neuroprotective potential, with particular emphasis on its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and cholinergic-regulating properties. It also highlights its ability to reduce oxidative stress, modulate neurotransmitter balance, and prevent protein aggregation, which are key pathological features of neurodegeneration. Despite promising preclinical findings, further research is required to establish its efficacy, optimise its bioavailability, and evaluate its safety in clinical settings. Overall, scopoletin demonstrates considerable potential as a neuroprotective compound, offering new avenues for the development of innovative therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. This comprehensive review aims to provide a foundation for future research and the advancement of scopoletin as a promising agent against neurodegeneration.