Exploring the pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic implications of galangin against neurological disorders

Neurological disorders represent a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, encompassing a broad spectrum of prevalent conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and stroke. In recent years, natural compounds have garnered increasing attention as potential therapeutic and preventive agents for neurological disorders. Galangin, a naturally occurring flavonoid primarily derived from Alpinia officinarum Hance, exhibits diverse biological properties, including notable neuroprotective, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Emerging evidence indicates that galangin exerts significant neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. This review systematically summarizes the in vivo metabolism and pharmacokinetics of galangin, elucidates its mechanism of action, and highlights recent advances in its application for neurological disorders. Furthermore, the prospect of nanodrug carriers for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of galangin is explored. Additionally, this review addresses the current research limitations and outlines future research directions to provide a theoretical foundation for its clinical application in neurological disorders. Collectively, the findings underscore the extensive pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of galangin, highlighting its promise as a novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of neurological disorders and warranting further in-depth investigation and development.