# Synergistic Neuroprotection in Parkinson’s Disease via Photobiomodulation and Liposomal Rosmarinic Acid Delivery

**Authors:** Ting-Yi Su, Chen-Ya Wang, Wen-Tse Huang, Ming-Yang Chang, Ming-Hsien Chan, Ru-Shi Liu

PMC · DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5c01969 · 2026-01-26

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a new treatment for Parkinson’s Disease using light therapy and a natural antioxidant delivered via nanotechnology to protect neurons.

## Contribution

A novel dual-modal therapy combining photobiomodulation and liposomal rosmarinic acid delivery is introduced for neuroprotection in Parkinson’s Disease.

## Key findings

- The combination of photobiomodulation and RA@LP protects mitochondrial integrity in neuronal cells.
- The dual approach improves cellular viability under oxidative stress conditions resembling Parkinson’s Disease.
- The therapy shows synergistic effects in reducing reactive oxygen species and mitigating mitochondrial damage.

## Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress,
and mitochondrial dysfunction. Current treatment strategies are largely
symptomatic and fail to halt disease progression. This research work
explores a novel dual-modal therapeutic strategy combining Photobiomodulation
(PBM) using near-infrared (NIR) light with nanotechnology-enhanced
delivery of Rosmarinic Acid (RA) for the treatment of PD. Building
upon the findings of previous works, which established the neuroprotective
potential of RA, this study extends its application to PD treatment
through the development of RA-loaded liposomes (RA@LP) and their integration
with NIR-induced PBM. As a noninvasive modality, NIR light has demonstrated
efficacy in stimulating mitochondrial activity, promoting ATP production,
and reducing oxidative stress through PBM mechanisms. In parallel,
RA, a potent natural antioxidant, has been encapsulated within liposomal
nanocarriers to enhance its stability, bioavailability, and targeted
delivery to affected neuronal tissues. The combined therapeutic platform
of PBM and RA@LP is designed to eliminate endogenous and exogenous
reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby breaking the self-perpetuating
cycle of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage underlying PD pathogenesis.
We highlight in vitro investigations that demonstrate
the synergistic effects of PBM and RA@LP on neuronal cells. The results
indicate that this dual approach protects mitochondrial integrity
and improves cellular viability under PD-like oxidative conditions.
By broadening the scope to include in vitro analysis,
the study provides deeper mechanistic insights into the cellular responses
to light-based and nanomedicine therapies. This work presents a promising,
noninvasive, and multitargeted strategy for PD treatment, with potential
implications for translational research. Integrating phototherapy
and nanotechnology represents a significant advancement in developing
effective neuroprotective interventions.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** Rosmarinic Acid (PubChem CID 639655)
- **Diseases:** Parkinson’s Disease (MONDO:0005180)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** PD (MESH:D010300), mitochondrial damage (MESH:D028361), neurodegenerative disorder (MESH:D019636), neuronal loss (MESH:D009410)
- **Chemicals:** ROS (MESH:D017382), ATP (MESH:D000255), RA (MESH:C041376)

## Figures

16 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12892251/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12892251