Chemicals with Mitochondrial Targets for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Background: Mitochondria are undoubtedly key organelles for the cellular function as the main energy supplier, calcium buffer, and apoptosis mediator. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a common characteristic in most neurodegenerative diseases, i.e., Alzheimer, Parkinson, and epilepsy. This knowledge has opened a new opportunity for the development of new drugs, testing of natural extracts and, finally, application of nanotechnology in search of beneficial effects on mitochondrial components.