Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use in supporting or potentially treating Parkinson's Disease (PD) is primarily justified by preclinical scientific research rather than traditional medical practices. Several animal studies have shown that ferulic acid can mitigate neurotoxicity, reduce oxidative stress, and attenuate neuroinflammation—key factors implicated in PD pathogenesis. For example, rodent models of PD induced by toxins such as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or MPTP have demonstrated that ferulic acid administration can protect dopaminergic neurons, improve behavioral outcomes, and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species in the brain (Zhu et al., 2016; Kumar & Khanum, 2012).

However, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence in humans. To date, no large, well-designed clinical trials have been conducted to confirm the efficacy or safety of ferulic acid for people with PD. The current support for its use in PD is thus limited to laboratory and animal studies, which are promising but not definitive. Therefore, the overall evidence supporting ferulic acid as a treatment or adjunct for Parkinson’s Disease is preliminary, meriting a rating of 2 on the evidence scale.

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