Antioxidant Compounds from Edible Mushrooms as Potential Candidates for Treating Age-Related Neurodegenerative
Grazia Maria Liuzzi1, Tania Petraglia2, Tiziana Latronico1
1Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126 Bari, Italy.
Abstract:
The last century has seen an increase in our life expectancy. As a result, various age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), have emerged, representing new challenges to society. Oxidative stress (OS), a condition of redox imbalance resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species, represents a common feature that characterizes the brains of elderly people, thus contributing to NDs. Consequently, antioxidant supplementation or dietary intake of antioxidant-containing foods could represent an effective preventive and therapeutic intervention to maintain the integrity and survival of neurons and to counteract the neurodegenerative pathologies associated with aging. Food contains numerous bioactive molecules with beneficial actions for human health. To this purpose, a wide range of edible mushrooms have been reported to produce different antioxidant compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, ergothioneine, and others, which might be used for dietary supplementation to enhance antioxidant defenses and, consequently, the prevention of age-related neurological diseases. In this review, we summarized the role of oxidative stress in age-related NDs, focusing on the current knowledge of the antioxidant compounds present in edible mushrooms, and highlighting their potential to preserve healthy aging by counteracting age-associated NDs.
Insights
Increased life expectancy brings challenges like neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Edible mushrooms, rich in antioxidants, show promise in preventing and treating these age-related neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Increased life expectancy has led to a rise in age-related diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).
- Oxidative stress (OS), an imbalance in redox status due to excessive reactive oxygen species, is a key factor in age-related neurological decline.
- NDs pose significant societal challenges due to their increasing prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of oxidative stress in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
- To explore the potential of antioxidant compounds found in edible mushrooms for preventing and treating NDs.
- To highlight edible mushrooms as a source for dietary interventions to support healthy aging and neurological health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on oxidative stress in neurodegeneration.
- Analysis of scientific data on antioxidant compounds in edible mushrooms.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on the neuroprotective effects of mushroom-derived antioxidants.
Main Results:
- Oxidative stress is a common hallmark of aging brains and contributes to neurodegeneration.
- Edible mushrooms contain a variety of antioxidant compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine.
- These compounds possess the potential to enhance antioxidant defenses and protect neuronal integrity.
Conclusions:
- Antioxidant supplementation through dietary intake of mushrooms may offer a viable strategy for preventing and managing age-related neurological diseases.
- Edible mushrooms represent a promising natural resource for promoting healthy aging and counteracting neurodegeneration.
- Further research into mushroom-derived antioxidants could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative conditions.
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