Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the gradual loss of neurons, often leading to death (Khan et al., 2025). These diseases include, among others, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) (Duggal et al., 2020), Multiple sclerosis (MS) (Khan et al., 2024), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Minj et al., 2021), and Huntington's disease (HD) (Mehan et al., 2017). In parallel neuropsychiatric diseases represent a complex intersection of neurology and psychiatry, involving various conditions that impact both brain function and mental health (Zhang et al., 2025). These disorders include conditions such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. Epidemiological studies indicate that neurodegenerative diseases are associated with low survival rate. In 2019 alone approximately 349.2 million people were affected and nearly 10 million deaths were attributed to major neurological disorders worldwide (Gadhave et al., 2024).

Oxytocin is a hydrophilic cyclic nonapeptide hormone made up of nine amino acids synthesized primarily in the hypothalamus and released into both the peripheral circulation and the central nervous system. It plays a critical role in integrative physiological processes, such as coordination and maternal behavior, lactation, childbirth, and caregiving behavior (Carter, 2014). Beyond its established role in social behavior and bonding, emerging evidence suggests that oxytocin modulates neuronal survival pathways under pathological conditions (El-Ganainy et al., 2022). Preclinical studies indicate that oxytocin may attenuate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through modulation of intracellular calcium signalling, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine release and regulation of apoptosis-related pathways; however, these effects appear to be highly context- and cell-type dependent (Bukatova et al., 2023). At the molecular level oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized primarily in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and mediates its effects through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein-coupled receptor widely expressed in the cortex, amygdala and hippocampus (Jurek and Neumann, 2018). The neuropeptide Oxytocin plays a role in many key functions, such as social and reproductive behaviors and has garnered increasing attention across psychiatric research. Its involvement has been implicated in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases like AD (Kagizman and Hocaoglu, 2023; Koulousakis et al., 2023). Several studies have link oxytocin to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic pathways supporting its protective role in neurodegenerative models like Parkinson’s disease (Erbaş et al., 2012). Furthermore, central administration of oxytocin in adult rats significantly increased neuron-specific enolase (NSE) gene expression, providing initial evidence of oxytocin’s influence on neuronal and glial marker expression in the brain. These findings suggest that the oxytocin system may participate in regulating the formation and differentiation of neuronal precursor cells (Havránek et al., 2017). Oxytocin is linked to deficits in social recognition, which are associated with impairments in learning and memory in oxytocin-deficient mice (Zhang et al., 2016). The involvement of oxytocin has been supported by placebo-controlled crossover research conducted on individuals with Huntington’s disease highlighting its dual functions as a hormone in peripheral circulation and as a neurotransmitter within the central nervous system (Labuschagne et al., 2018). Oxytocin has therefore emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate for various neuropsychiatric conditions, such as autism, anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders (Zhang et al., 2023a).

This review explores the emerging role of oxytocin as a neuromodulator with therapeutic potential in preventing and alleviating the severity of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy as well as neuropsychiatric conditions like autism, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. It provides comprehensive understanding and exploration of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the oxytocin receptor signalling, the neuroprotective effects of oxytocin, its role in psychiatric regulation such as social recognition and current therapeutic strategies supported by both preclinical and clinical evidence. Overall, this review aims to highlight the physiological and neurobiological functions of oxytocin and to elucidate its relevance in the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.