Plant protein-phenolic acids as novel food-grade synergistic modulators of neuronal function: A review

With modernization, changing lifestyles, and the accelerating pace of global aging, addressing issues such as emotional instability, high incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive decline has become paramount. When plant proteins and phenolic acids act independently on neurons, their promotional effects remain relatively limited. However, upon interacting through non-covalent and/or covalent bonds, the spatial structure of plant proteins undergoes alteration, providing key precursors for neurotransmitters. Encapsulated within the plant protein structure, phenolic acids exhibit significantly enhanced stability, enabling more effective neuroprotective functions. Their synergistic action promotes neurotransmitter release while simultaneously activating key signaling pathways, regulating gut microbiota, and generating neuroactive metabolites. This establishes a crucial foundation for further exploration in neuronal regulation and functional food development.