Flavonoid-Based Therapies in the Early Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

During the past several years, there has been enormous progress in the understanding of the causative factors that initiate neuronal damage in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington disease. Preventing neuronal damage and neuronal death will have a huge clinical benefit. However, despite major advances in causative factors that trigger these neurodegenerative diseases, to date there have been no therapies available that benefit patients who suffer from these diseases. Because most neurodegenerative diseases are late-onset and remain asymptomatic for most of the phases, the therapies initiated in advanced stages of the disease have limited value to patients. It may be possible to prevent or halt the disease progression to a great extent if therapies start at the initial stage of the disease. Such therapies may restore neuronal function by reducing or even eliminating the primary stressor. Flavonoids are key compounds for the development of a new generation of therapeutic agents that are clinically effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Regular consumption of flavonoids has been associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to their antioxidant properties, these polyphenolic compounds exhibit neuroprotective properties by their interaction with cellular signaling pathways followed by transcription and translation that mediate cell function under both normal and pathologic conditions. This review focuses on human intervention studies as well as animal studies on the role of various flavonoids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Recent trends in the development of nanophytobioactive compounds and delivery systems for their possible role in reducing oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease models

“…38,48 Phytobioactive compounds from various medicinal plants show neuroprotective effects in various animal models. 8,26 Phytobioactive compounds are secondary metabolites with higher health beneficial activity that occurs in smaller amounts in various plant parts, such as leaves, fruits, seeds, nuts, and roots. 42,[53][54][55][56][57] These include polyphenols, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which contain one or more hydroxyl groups in their phenolic ring that scavenge free radicals and act as strong antioxidants.…”

“…2,6 In addition, flavonoids chelate metal ions, preventing formation of free radicals and limits limiting the onset of PD. [6][7][8] Oral administration is the most convenient for the repeated and routine delivery of bioactive compounds. [9][10][11] However, it is most challenging due to the protection of brain by blood-brain barrier with the narrow diameter of approximately less than 20 nm that limits the entry of most bioactive molecules.…”

Recent developments in solid lipid nanoparticle and surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for oral delivery of phyto-bioactive compounds in various chronic diseases

“…[124][125][126][127][128][129][130] Phyto-bioactive compounds have shown an excellent anti-neuroinflammatory effect through various pathways. [131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141] However, they have limitations in oral delivery due to their extensive first-pass metabolism and difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier. Recently, SLN-loaded phyto-bioactive compounds have shown excellent bioavailability through oral delivery and a higher brain bioavailability.…”

Consumo habitual de chocolate y estado cognitivo en los adultos mayores españoles

“…También hay evidencias del efecto beneficioso de ciertos nutrientes como la vitamina D y los flavonoides sobre el estado mental (9)(10)(11). El chocolate es un alimento con gran contenido en flavonoides y metilxantinas.…”