Phytopharmacology in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of Iranian Traditional Medicine

Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders affecting the elderly, characterized by memory decline, impaired cognitive function, and behavioral alterations. Given the limited efficacy and potential side effects of conventional pharmacological treatments, there is increasing interest in complementary therapies, particularly medicinal plants. Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), as a rich repository of therapeutic knowledge, contains extensive clinical experience and recommendations for enhancing memory and preventing cognitive decline. This review aims to examine both classical ITM sources and contemporary scientific literature regarding medicinal plants with potential efficacy in preventing and managing Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: This study is a literature review based on authoritative ITM sources, the works of prominent Persian scholars, and recent scientific publications indexed in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran. Results: According to ITM texts, several plants including white mulberry, black mulberry, rosemary, sage, frankincense, parsley, thyme, lavender, peppermint, chamomile, walnut, beetroot, apple, sainfoin, saffron, St. John’s wort, jujube, turmeric, bitter almond, fig, thyme-leaved savory, cinnamon, green tea, spinach, lettuce, lemon balm, grape, coconut, ginger, damask rose, bergamot, sesame, Persian hogweed, borage, hyssop, valerian, basil, and chicory have been reported to exert beneficial effects in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that many plants cited in ITM contain bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. Through mechanisms including acetylcholinesterase inhibition, reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of neuroinflammation, and improvement of cerebral blood flow, these plants may contribute to the prevention or slowing of Alzheimer’s disease progression. Administration of rosemary, sage, saffron, frankincense, lemon balm, and turmeric in the form of herbal medicines or dietary supplements represents a potentially safe and effective adjunctive approach. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are essential to confirm their safety, optimal dosing, and potential drug interactions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alzheimer’s disease ، phytopharmacology ، Iranian traditional medicine ، medicinal plants ، memory ، acetylcholinesterase