Estrogen receptor beta activation holds potential for Parkinson's treatment

Treatment with cianidanol, a plant molecule that activates the estrogen receptor beta, has shown neuroprotective potential in cell and animal models of Parkinson's disease. Cianidanol reduced nerve cell death and lowered the expression of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's. In a rat model, cianidanol improved motor function, balance, cognition, and led to a lesser loss of dopaminergic neurons. This study suggests that selectively activating the estrogen receptor beta could be a promising approach for Parkinson's treatment.