Cure Parkinson’s funds two new pre-clinical projects

Dr. Poonam Thakur from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Thiruvananthapuram is testing two drugs, probucol and chlorogenic acid, in early Parkinson’s studies. Probucol, typically used for high cholesterol, might reduce inflammation and improve cell energy issues, which can lead to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells in Parkinson’s. Chlorogenic acid, found in coffee, is believed to help prevent the build-up of alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson’s progression. Dr. Thakur will examine how well these drugs reach the brain, if they protect brain cells, and if there are different effects between males and females. This is the first project of its kind in India, and we’re eager to see the results. The second project Dr. Sinead O’Sullivan and Prof. Donato Di Monte at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) are studying whether carnosic acid can slow down Parkinson’s progression. Carnosic acid, naturally found in sage and rosemary, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). High levels of ROS can lead to oxidative stress, which damages and kills cells. Since oxidative stress is a factor in neuron loss in Parkinson’s, reducing it with carnosic acid might protect dopamine-producing neurons and slow the disease's progression. Dr. O’Sullivan and Prof. Di Monte will investigate this potential, and also see if carnosic acid helps with other Parkinson’s issues, like toxic alpha-synuclein build-up.