Clinical Strategies, Management, and Challenges in Targeting CNS through Bioactive Compounds

The Central Nervous System (CNS) plays a pivotal role in regulating essential physiological processes, highlighting the critical need for effective therapeutic interventions targeting CNS disorders. Bioactive compounds, including small molecules and peptides, offer promising avenues for CNS drug discovery and development by modulating specific molecular targets implicated in neurological pathophysiology. However, the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) poses a formidable obstacle to CNS drug delivery, necessitating innovative approaches such as nanoparticle delivery systems, viral vectors, and alternative delivery methods like convectionenhanced delivery. This chapter comprehensively explores clinical strategies, management approaches, and challenges associated with targeting the CNS through bioactive compounds. It examines pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations relevant to CNS drug delivery, highlighting innovative technologies and formulation approaches aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Despite significant progress, formidable challenges persist, including the complexity of CNS biology, the risk of off-target effects, and stringent regulatory requirements. Future research directions encompass developing better preclinical models, exploring multi-target approaches, and implementing early intervention strategies supported by advanced biomarkers to address the global burden of neurological disorders effectively.

Keywords: Animal models, Bioactive compound, CNS, Management, Personalized medicine.