Ellagic Acid as a Therapeutic Agent for Blood-Brain Barrier Restoration in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the Central Nervous System (CNS) by regulating what enters and protecting the brain from inflammation and damage caused by harmful molecules. The disruption of the BBB is a characteristic feature of several neurodegenerative disorders and is intimately linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Ellagic Acid (EA), a polyphenolic molecule present in several fruits and nuts, has attracted interest due to its significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective characteristics. This review examine recent findings on how EA might help keep the BBB healthy and reduce brain damage. EA works by increasing the levels of tight junction proteins, boosting antioxidant processes, and managing cell death pathways. The review also discusses EA's limited bioavailability and emphasises the therapeutic potential of its gut-derived metabolites, urolithins, which demonstrate enhanced stability and cellular transport. Although EA has considerable potential as a neuroprotective drug, its translational use necessitates more research into its pharmacokinetics, delivery mechanisms, and therapeutic effectiveness. A comprehensive understanding of EA's molecular processes, especially in brain microvascular endothelial cells, may provide innovative therapeutic approaches for safeguarding the BBB and addressing neurodegenerative disorders.