Neuroprotective Potential of Flavonoids in Brain Disorders

Abstract

Flavonoids are a large subgroup of polyphenols known to be sourced from over 6000 natural products, including fruits, vegetables, bark, and herbs. Due to their antioxidant properties, flavonoids have been implicated as a therapy source for many diseases and conditions, including inflammation, vasculitis, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids. Currently, some flavonoids are being researched for their antioxidant ability concerning neuroprotection. These flavonoids can penetrate the blood–brain barrier and, depending on the specific flavonoid, retain adequate bioavailability in certain brain regions. Further data suggest that flavonoids could have a strong anti-inflammatory effect in the brain, which not only could be a robust therapeutic source for known neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease but also could be a therapeutic source for ischemic or hemorrhagic conditions such as a stroke. While flavonoid toxicity exists, they are relatively safe and non-invasive drugs from natural origins. As such, exploring the known mechanisms and therapies may highlight and establish flavonoid therapy as a viable source of therapy for stroke patients. As stated, many flavonoids are already being isolated, purified, and implemented in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. As these flavonoids proceed to clinical trials, it will be important to understand how they function as a therapy, primarily as antioxidants, and by other secondary mechanisms. This review aims to elucidate those mechanisms and explore the neuroprotective role of flavonoids.

The Effect of Methyl-Derivatives of Flavanone on MCP-1, MIP-1β, RANTES, and Eotaxin Release by Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages

“…et al have shown that the tissue of ulcerative colitis exhibits strong mRNA expression for chemokines, as observed with MIP-1α and RANTES [38]. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids, including flavanones, possess a broad range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-atherosclerotic properties [39][40][41][42][43]. Natural or synthetic compounds show an inhibitory effect on MCP-1 production.…”

Effectiveness of Flavonoid-Rich Diet in Alleviating Symptoms of Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Excessive consumption of flavonoids leading to adverse effects often seems to be related to the overuse of supplements without consulting a doctor or knowing the proper dosage. This is especially a risk for people taking other medications because flavonoids may interact with them [ 133 ]. These seem to be extreme cases out of ignorance because flavonoids offer cognitive health benefits in humans, as long-term consumption through food has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.…”

Gypenoside XVII Reduces Synaptic Glutamate Release and Protects against Excitotoxic Injury in Rats

“…Phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants offer various medicinal and health benefits to the brain because of their antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [9,10], and are important sources of drugs for the treatment of brain disease. Gypenoside XVII (GP-17; molecular formula: C 48 H 82 O 18 ; molecular weight: 947.2 g/mol; Figure 1A) is a gypenoside monomer found in medicinal plants such as Gynostemma pentaphyllum or Panax notoginseng.…”