Targeted Neurotherapeutics: A Review of Bacopa monnieri Delivery Strategies for Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Autism lead to Central Nervous System (CNS) degeneration, impairing both cognitive and motor functions. With the rising prevalence of these illnesses-closely linked to age and lifestyle factors-effective therapeutic strategies that can cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is urgently needed. Conventional medications often fail due to the restrictive nature of the BBB, which has prompted growing interest in nanotechnology-based Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS). Among herbal candidates, Bacopa monnieri (BM), an Ayurvedic herb, has demonstrated significant neuropharmacological potential. Its active constituents, primarily bacosides, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cognition-enhancing properties. These attributes make BM particularly promising for managing oxidative stress and neuronal damage associated with neurodegenerative conditions. However, BM suffers from limitations such as poor bioavailability, low solubility, and susceptibility to gastrointestinal degradation. To overcome these challenges, researchers have explored nanocarriers including liposomes, bilosomes, ethosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles. These systems protect BM from degradation, enhance BBB permeability, and enable targeted, sustained drug release to the brain. In this thesis, BM is integrated with nanocarrier-based delivery approaches to improve therapeutic outcomes for neurological disorders. The discussion encompasses BM phytochemicals, neurodegenerative mechanisms, and the challenges of CNS drug delivery. Various nanocarriers are shown to enhance BM’s pharmacokinetics, brain uptake, and clinical efficacy. Furthermore, advanced ligand-mediated and stimuli-responsive technologies offer precise targeting of phytochemicals. BM nanoformulations represent a convergence of herbal medicine and nanotechnology, paving the way for safer, more tailored treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, NDDS-based delivery of Bacopa monnieri holds the potential to transform CNS disease management by enabling effective, non-invasive, and long-term neuropharmacological interventions.