Neuroprotective effects of edible bird nest towards Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD), is closely related to the neurological disorder due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons caused by oxidative stress and nitrosative. Over the years, studies regarding the treatment for PD are continuously done as there is still no permanent cure for PD. Edible bird’s nests, EBN are known for their neuroprotective effect which are used as the potential treatment for PD. This article aims to highlight the association of EBN and PD. EBN has the potential to inhibit the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA, which causes the production of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation in SH-SY5Y cells. The bioactive ingredients that are responsible for the neuroprotective effect of EBN, such as lactoferrin, ovotransferrin, melatonin, sialic acid and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are discussed. Moreover, suitable dosage forms of the EBN are required to serve the patients’ needs as well as to deliver the content of EBN efficiently to the target. Hence, the dosage forms of EBN that are available in the market nowadays are addressed. The effects and mechanism of EBN as an antioxidant and anti-apoptosis to treat PD are further elaborated. The concern regarding the toxicology of EBN is highlighted due the content of heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and tin in raw EBN that needs to be considered. This is because the accumulation of heavy metals in the body can lead to several health issues. The understanding and research between the background of PD and the promising effect of EBN may lead to the discovery of drugs for PD.