**1. Introduction**

Neurodegeneration is defined as a complex process that involves progressive damage to the brain with neuronal loss leading to incurable and devitalizing consequences. The neurons, which get degenerated, are not restored, which result in impaired cognition and neurological disorders leading to depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, epilepsy, cerebral ischemia, and parkinsonism [1, 2]. These diseases involve various characteristic pathological and molecular features affecting neurons in various regions of the brain. Neurodegenerative diseases are accelerated by the way we live our daily lives. As per recent report by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the proportion of deaths estimated due to lifestyle diseases has increased from 37.09% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016 [3]. Thus, there is an immense need for the development of strategies for its prevention as a number of patients suffering from lifestyle diseases are increasing day by day. Ayurveda is considered an old age traditional medicine of Indian practice involving considerable usage of plants and herbal preparations, which are known to cure

various disorders. Various classical formulations for neurodegenerative diseases are listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), which also provides a file of information regarding single drugs of plant, animal, and mineral origin, providing their official names and English equivalents for their easy identification [4]. In present review, the major plants listed in the formulations indicated as neuroprotective is discussed. Present review outlines the chemical constituents and pharmacology of the listed plants. The sole aim of present review is to extract the hidden potential ancient formulations supported by modern findings so as to enhance their acceptability in masses. Further, a systematic approach for their chemical standardization is a need as it will be supportive in identifying therapeutic molecules, stating the need for combining scientific interpretations and traditional knowledge.
