The effect of maternal polyphenol intake on foetal neurodevelopment in rodent models: a narrative review

Maternal nutrition is critical for foetal brain development, and dietary polyphenolic compounds play an important role in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxic damage. This narrative review explored the potential promotion of brain development by polyphenols such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, naringin, ferulic acid, genistein, and fisetin through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic effects. The key molecular mechanisms are central to the advantageous actions of these polyphenols in the neurogenesis process. These compounds protect against neurodevelopmental challenges induced by maternal high-fat diet, immune activation, environmental toxins, and psychological stressors. However, their efficacy may depend on dosage, timing of administration, and maternal-foetal metabolic interactions, emphasising the need for personalised maternal nutrition strategies. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and interactions of these compounds with other nutrients toward personalised maternal nutrition strategies. This narrative review presents the potential of polyphenols to support foetal brain health with an emphasis on their possible incorporation into maternal dietary interventions.