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Nutraceuticals: A strategy to mitigate neurotoxicity
Fatemeh Rahmati-Dehkordi1,2, Zeinab Tamtaji3, Ehsan Dadgostar4,5
1Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Advances in Neurotoxicology
|June 11, 2026
Summary
Nutraceuticals offer neuroprotection against toxicant-induced cognitive impairments by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. These supplements enhance memory, mood, and synaptic plasticity, supporting brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Exogenous neurotoxicants (e.g., aluminum, arsenic, lead, mercury, ethanol) are linked to neurobiological disorders and cognitive impairments.
- Epidemiological and pre-clinical studies increasingly support this correlation.
- Nutraceutical supplementation shows promise for mitigating neurotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuroprotective effects of nutraceuticals against neurotoxicant-induced damage.
- To elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying nutraceutical therapy.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals for cognitive disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and pre-clinical studies.
- Analysis of molecular and cellular mechanisms of nutraceutical action.
- Synthesis of data on behavioral and cognitive improvements.
Main Results:
- Nutraceuticals improved learning, memory, anxiety, depressive-like behavior, locomotor activity, and neuropathic pain.
- Key mechanisms include attenuation of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- Nutraceuticals suppressed neuroinflammation, inhibited amyloid-beta plaques, and enhanced synaptic plasticity via BDNF.
Conclusions:
- Nutraceutical supplementation is a viable strategy for neuroprotection against neurotoxicants.
- Mechanisms involve antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloid, and pro-synaptic plasticity effects.
- Nutraceuticals hold therapeutic potential for managing neurotoxicity and associated cognitive impairments.
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