Neuroprotective Potential of Seed Oils and Selected Edible Plant Oils in Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanisms, Preclinical Evidence, and Translational Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70851/jfines.2026.3(3).259.275Keywords:
Parkinson’s disease, seed oils, neuroprotection, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, alpha-synuclein, dopaminergic neurons, thymoquinone, alpha-linolenic acid, gut–brain axisAbstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, α-synuclein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Current treatments provide symptomatic relief but do not halt disease progression and are associated with adverse effects. This review evaluates preclinical evidence on the neuroprotective potential of seed and selected plant oils in PD and summarizes their proposed mechanisms of action.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 investigating seed oils, plant oils, or their bioactive constituents in relation to PD were considered. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 16 preclinical studies, two human intervention studies with cognitive outcomes, and three review articles included for background information.
Results: The reviewed oils targeted multiple pathogenic pathways associated with PD. Reported effects included reduced oxidative stress through increased SOD, CAT, and GSH activities and decreased ROS and MDA levels, suppression of neuroinflammation via inhibition of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, protection of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, and reduced α-synuclein aggregation in selected studies. Gut-brain axis modulation was reported only for perilla oil. Flaxseed and Nigella sativa oils demonstrated the most consistent neuroprotective effects across rotenone and 6-OHDA models, whereas evidence for perilla, sesame, marula, castor, and coconut oils remains limited.
Conclusion: Seed and selected plant oils show promise as neuroprotective agents in PD. Further pharmacokinetic, safety, and dose optimization studies are required before clinical translation. Flaxseed and Nigella sativa oils appear to be the strongest candidates for early-phase clinical trials.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Olugbenga Olawole Olayinka, Oyedayo Phillips Akano, Beaulah Mkpuruoma David, Yetunde Oluwagbemisola Oduneye, Deborah Folasayo Akintujoye, Oluwatobi Aminat Buhari (Author)
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