Nanoparticles as Game-Changers in Drug Delivery for Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has emerged as a promising strategy for treating neurological disorders, overcoming the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems. The central challenge in this field lies in the effective targeting of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and improving the bioavailability of drugs. This review explores the major neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy, and the challenges involved in delivering therapeutic agents to the brain. We present an overview of nanoparticles, their types (lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic, dendrimers, and carbon-based), and their mechanisms for crossing the BBB. The review discusses how nanoparticles enhance the delivery of both allopathic drugs (e.g., levodopa, donepezil) and herbal compounds (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol) by improving solubility, bioavailability, and brain targeting. A comparative analysis of nanoparticle-based drug delivery for herbal versus synthetic drugs is provided, highlighting their complementary roles in combination therapy. Lastly, we review the clinical applications and future directions, emphasizing the integration of herbal and allopathic therapies in nanoparticle-based systems to revolutionize treatment strategies for neurological disorders.