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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:23
Visualizing Axonal Growth Cone Collapse and Early Amyloid β Effects in Cultured Mouse Neurons
Published on: October 30, 2018
Neuroprotective Phytochemicals Targeting Amyloid and Tau Pathologies
Irfan Ahmed1, Yaasir Ahmed Ansari2, Gazala Parveen3
1Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Mumbai, 400008, M.S., India.
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Phytochemicals show promise in treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting both amyloid and tau pathologies. Further research into delivery methods is needed for clinical application of these multi-target therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease affects over 55 million globally, projected to reach 152 million by 2050.
- Current treatments are largely symptomatic, failing to address core molecular issues like oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation.
- Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's involves complex pathways converging on amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated Tau.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review phytochemicals with dual anti-amyloid and anti-tau effects, addressing multiple Alzheimer's pathologies simultaneously.
- To assess over 100 bioactive compounds from 7 chemical families for their potential in Alzheimer's disease therapy.
- To identify therapeutic strategies that move beyond single-target approaches for Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to 2025.
- Analysis of phytochemicals targeting both amyloid and tau pathologies.
- Evaluation of compounds based on their effects on key molecular pathways and preclinical model outcomes.
Main Results:
- Identified major phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, EGCG) with dual anti-amyloid and anti-tau activity.
- These compounds inhibit beta-secretase, prevent amyloid fibril formation, reduce Tau phosphorylation, and enhance cellular clearance mechanisms.
- Phytochemicals modulate Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
- Preclinical studies show cognitive and neuropathological improvements, but bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration remain challenges.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals offer a multi-target therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease, addressing its complex molecular underpinnings.
- Nanotechnology and structural modifications show potential for overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations.
- These findings suggest a paradigm shift towards disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's, moving beyond symptomatic management.
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