Linking Antiepileptic Drug-Induced Neurotransmitter Dysregulation and the Therapeutic Potential of Phytophenols
Author(s): Priyanka Gupta, Poornima Yadav, Rupal Shukla, Tahniyat Ansari & Sudhi Shrivastva
Abstract: Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are a group of conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS), characterised by advanced neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, leading to cognitive decline and sensory-motor impairments. These extensive NDs include Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, and others. They occur when disturbances in neurotransmission impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Neurotransmitters (NTs) are biochemical messengers responsible for transmitting signals across synapses via electrical and chemical signals, through variable excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. All disorders significantly impact the CNS, resulting in clinical and biochemical changes. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are designed to bind to neurotransmitter receptors and modulate brain excitability to prevent or reduce seizures. They have multiple mechanisms of action, for example, obstructing voltage-gated Na+ and Ca+ channels, enhancing GABAergic inhibition, and regulating glutamate receptors. However, they can also adversely disturb neurotransmitter activities. Side effects include slowed dopamine and other neurotransmitter secretion, which can contribute to the progression of various neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, polyphenols and bioactive compounds offer antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of protein aggregation, mitochondrial protection, modulation of cell signalling pathways, chelation of metal ions, and enhancement of cognitive function, among other benefits. This study highlights the importance of careful monitoring of patients on long-term AED therapy and the associated risk of cognitive decline due to neurotransmitter disruption.
Keywords: Neurotransmitters, Neurodegenerative disease, Antiepileptic drugs, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Alpha-Synuclein, B-amyloid plaques, Phytophenols.
DOI: doi.org/10.65719/RC.3.2.2025.167
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