Advancing Brain Health Naturally: β-Caryophyllene and Xanthohumol as Neuroprotective Agents

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a class of incurable and progressive disorders characterized by the gradual degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. A range of innovative therapeutic approaches is currently under investigation, such as stem cell-based therapies, gene-editing platforms such as CRISPR, and immunotherapies directed at pathogenic proteins. Moreover, phytochemicals such as β-caryophyllene and xanthohumol have demonstrated significant neuroprotective potential in preclinical models. These natural agents exert multifaceted effects by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, oxidative stress responses, and aberrant protein aggregation-pathological mechanisms that are central to the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Recent investigations have increasingly emphasized the optimization of the pharmacokinetic properties of β-caryophyllene and xanthohumol through the development of advanced drug-delivery systems, including polymer- and lipid-based nano- and microscale carriers. Such advancements not only enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of these phytochemicals but also underscore their growing relevance as natural candidates in the development of future interventions for neurodegenerative disorders.