Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex (PFBc), a Source of Polyphenols, Demonstrates Potential Benefits for Inflammaging and Related Cognitive Function

Abstract

Cognitive function is a key aspect of healthy aging. Inflammation associated with normal aging, also called inflammaging is a primary risk factor for cognitive decline. A diet high in fruits and vegetable and lower in calories, particularly a Mediterranean Diet, may lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline due in part to the associated high intake of antioxidants and polyphenols. A phenolic, Palm Fruit Bioactive complex (PFBc) derived from the extraction process of palm oil from oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis), is reported to offset inflammation due to its high antioxidant, especially vitamin E, and polyphenol content. The benefit is thought to be achieved via the influence of antioxidants on gene expression. It is the purpose of this comprehensive review to discuss the etiology, including gene expression, of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) specific to dietary intake of antioxidants and polyphenols and to focus on the potential impact of nutritional interventions specifically PFBc has on MCI. Several in vitro, in vivo and animal studies support multiple benefits of PFBc especially for improving cognitive function via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. While more human studies are needed, those completed thus far support the benefit of consuming PFBc to enhance cognitive function via its anti-inflammatory antioxidant functions.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Diet: Role in Healthy Aging

“…Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies highlight their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, flavonoids being the most studied polyphenols [ 76 , 77 , 78 ]. They exert these properties through different mechanisms, including antioxidant activity restoration, inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, and modulation of mediators and transcription factors involved in inflammatory processes [ 79 ].…”

Telomere and mitochondria mediated the association between dietary inflammatory index and mild cognitive impairment: A prospective cohort study

“…The progression of cognitive decline is a complex multifactorial degenerative process. In addition to genetics, the presences of vascular risk factors and environmental factors, such as lifestyle and dietary habits, are also associated with MCI development [ 2 ]. Among them, diet plays an important role in maintaining normal cognitive function and an increasing number of studies showed that diet affects cognition in multiple ways.…”

“…In particular, inflammation has been suggested to mediate the relationship between diet and MCI [ 3 ]. For example, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which have high anti-inflammatory antioxidant functions, is linked to a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline [ 2 ]. On the other hand, western diet could lead to cognitive impairment due to an accelerated inflammation [ 4 ].…”

Insect Models in Nutrition Research

“…Plant phenols also increase longevity and ameliorate metabolic diseases in insects [ 69 , 70 , 71 ]. Palm fruit juice (PFJ) from Elaeis guineensis contains palm oil phenolics [ 70 , 72 , 73 ] with beneficial health properties including anti-diabetic activity in mammals by slowing glucose absorption, decreasing insulin resistance and/or improving insulin secretion [ 70 , 74 ]. Different concentrations of PFJ and its fractions were used to assess growth dynamics and anti-aging effects in Drosophila [ 70 ].…”