NEUROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF ZEPHYRANTHES SPECIES AND THEIR BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS AND THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), represent a major global health challenge due to their increasing prevalence, progressive nature, and limited therapeutic options. Current pharmacological therapies mainly provide symptomatic relief and are often associated with limited efficacy and adverse effects. Consequently, there is growing interest in medicinal plants and natural products possessing multi-target therapeutic potential. The genus Zephyranthes (family Amaryllidaceae), commonly known as rain lilies, is a rich source of biologically active phytoconstituents, especially Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, which exhibit diverse pharmacological activities including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects.

This review summarizes the phytochemical profile, traditional uses, and neuroprotective potential of different Zephyranthes species and their bioactive constituents in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. Major alkaloids such as galantamine, lycorine, haemanthamine, narciclasine, and related compounds have demonstrated promising effects through modulation of multiple signalling pathways associated with neurodegeneration, including cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, protein aggregation, and impaired neurogenesis. In addition to alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids from Zephyranthes species contribute significantly to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The evidence discussed in this review highlights the therapeutic relevance of Zephyranthes as a potential source of multi-target neuroprotective agents. However, further experimental, toxicological, pharmacokinetic, and clinical investigations are necessary to validate their efficacy and safety for the development of novel therapeutics against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.