Natural Phenolic Compounds with Neuroprotective Effects
Mansoureh Tavan1,2, Parichehr Hanachi3, María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea4
1Department of Agriculture, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran. mansuretavan@yahoo.com.
Neurochemical Research
|November 8, 2023
Summary
Natural phenolic compounds show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These compounds offer neuroprotection and therapeutic benefits in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Huntington's (HD), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's (PD) are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
- These pathological processes lead to neuronal cytotoxicity and degeneration, posing significant challenges in treatment.
- Natural phytochemicals, especially phenolic compounds, are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic applications in NDDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on natural phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and coumarins.
- To explore the beneficial effects of these compounds on human health and their neuroprotective properties.
- To provide an overview of the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of dietary phenolics in NDD animal models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on scientific studies and research articles.
- Analysis of data on phenolic compounds' biological activities and therapeutic efficacy.
- Examination of mechanisms by which polyphenols modulate cellular functions and combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Polyphenols demonstrate significant neuroprotective effects by neutralizing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in various NDD animal models.
- Specific classes of phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and coumarins, exhibit diverse biological activities.
- These compounds modulate multiple cellular functions, contributing to their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative conditions.
Conclusions:
- Natural dietary phenolics hold considerable therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Their ability to counteract key pathological mechanisms like oxidative stress and inflammation makes them promising candidates for NDD treatment strategies.
- Further research into the mechanisms and clinical application of these compounds is warranted.
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