DECIPHERING CURCUMIN'S THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN NEURODEGENERATION: IN SILICO ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON WITH GALANTAMINE AND PRAMIPEXOLE

Abstract

The worldwide healthcare system faces substantial problems from neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Innovative therapeutic drugs that target certain neurotransmitter receptors are essential for treating these disorders. In contrast to two well-known medications, galantamine and pramipexole, this research focuses on the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a naturally occurring substance, for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses. A molecular docking study utilizing AutoDock Vina was conducted on five crucial receptors associated with neurodegeneration, including acetylcholinesterase and dopamine receptors. The visualization and analysis of protein ligand interactions were then carried out in PyMOL using stick models for the ligands and surface representations for the proteins. In PyMOL, the polar contacts between ligands and protein atoms were identified, and the bond lengths of these interactions were measured to analyse the molecular interactions. The findings demonstrated curcumin's potential as a medicinal agent by revealing particular binding affinities and interactions between it and the chosen receptors. Galantamine and pramipexole demonstrated varied degrees of binding affinity in a comparative investigation, indicating the unique modes of action for each ligand. This thesis offers important information about the molecular foundations of curcumin's ability to cure neurodegenerative disorders and lays the groundwork for future in vitro and in vivo studies. Curcumin has been identified as a viable therapeutic option, which might result in the creation of more efficient treatment plans and eventually enhance the lives of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.