Biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis and Their Modulation by Natural Products

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the leading causes of neurological disabilities and can be explained as a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease related to the central nervous system. Biomarkers play an important role in defining and understanding the various mechanisms involved in the progression of disease. The success of therapeutic treatment of MS can be measured by evaluating biomarkers, which can serve as a “surrogate end point” of clinical outcomes. Biomarkers of MS can be categorized as immune system biomarkers, blood–brain barrier disruption biomarkers, demyelination biomarkers, oxidative stress and excitotoxicity biomarkers, axonal/neuronal damage biomarkers, and remyelination and repair biomarkers. Studies have shown that natural products can modulate biomarkers of MS and can be used for its treatment. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (specifically vitamin D), minerals, and trace elements all have promising effects on biomarkers of MS. Phytochemicals like adenanthin, cannabinoids, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, glucoraphanin, sulforaphane, hyperforin, matrine, plumbagin, and quercetin have also shown promise as potential treatments for MS. There is a wide scope for research in the domain of multiple sclerosis biomarkers and their modulation by natural products.