Neurohormetic phytochemicals: An evolutionary-bioenergetic perspective.
Vikneswaran Murugaiyah1, Mark P Mattson2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Neurochemistry International
|April 12, 2015
Summary
Phytochemicals from plants, when consumed in moderation, can enhance brain health and neuroprotection. These compounds activate cellular stress responses similar to exercise and calorie restriction, offering potential for neurological disorder prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Dietary factors significantly influence brain health and disease susceptibility.
- Phytochemicals, plant-derived compounds, show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity and preventing neurodegeneration.
- Co-evolution of plants and animals has shaped phytochemicals and their physiological effects on neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary basis of phytochemicals and their impact on animal physiology, particularly neuronal function.
- To describe signaling pathways modulated by 'neurohormetic phytochemicals' and their relevance to brain health.
- To highlight the potential of dietary phytochemicals, combined with exercise and energy restriction, for neurological disorder management.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies and animal model intervention trials.
- Analysis of co-evolutionary adaptations between plants and animals regarding phytochemicals.
- Description of cellular signaling pathways including sirtuin, AMPK, mTOR, and IGF-1.
Main Results:
- Phytochemicals may have evolved from plant defense mechanisms, with animals developing tolerance and detoxification pathways.
- Adaptive stress responses protecting neurons against phytochemicals are also triggered by energy restriction and exercise.
- Neurohormetic phytochemicals modulate key cellular energy metabolism pathways crucial for neuronal function.
Conclusions:
- Dietary phytochemicals possess neuroprotective properties by activating conserved cellular stress response pathways.
- Combining neurohormetic phytochemicals with exercise and energy restriction may offer a synergistic approach to brain health.
- This integrated strategy holds potential for the prevention and treatment of various neurological disorders.
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