Approved drugs and natural products at clinical stages for treating Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) stands as the primary cause of dementia, and represents a substantial unmet healthcare need worldwide. The intricate pathogenesis of AD, involving multiple pathological and physiological events, has made the development of anti-AD drugs a persistent challenge over the years. Recent milestones in AD drug development, including the approval of aducanumab, lecanemab, and sodium oligomannate (GV-971), mark the end of an era of nearly two decades without new AD drugs. These advancements have addressed some persistent challenge in AD drug development, signifying a significant shift in the landscape of AD therapeutics. Furthermore, natural products have also shown promises in AD drug research, with some undergoing clinical investigations. Their unique properties and mechanisms of actions offer novel opportunities to complement and enhance the current approaches to AD treatment. This review article aims to provide an overview of the recent advancements and future prospects in AD therapeutics, with a specific focus on natural products and approved drugs.