Computational Exploration of Solanum nigrum Phytoconstituents as Potential Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitors for Parkinson’s Disease Management: A Molecular Docking Approach

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by the degeneration of dopaminer gic neurons and the consequent reduction of dopamine levels in the substantia nigra, leading to severe motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B), a key enzyme involved in dopamine catabolism and oxidative stress generation, has emerged as an important therapeutic target in PD management. Although synthetic MAO-B inhibitors such as Selegiline are widely used in clinical practice, their prolonged use is often associated with adverse effects, thereby necessitating the search for safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. Medicinal plants such as Solanum nigrum are rich sources of bioactive phytoconstituents with diverse antioxidant, neuroprotective