Phenolic Compounds of Therapeutic Interest in Neuroprotection

Abstract

The number of elderly people is projected to double in the next 50 years worldwide, resulting in an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. Aging causes changes in brain tissue homeostasis, thus contributing to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Current treatments are not entirely effective, so alternative treatments or adjuvant agents are being actively sought. Antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds are of particular interest for neurodegenerative diseases whose psychopathological mechanisms strongly rely on oxidative stress at the brain level. Moreover, phenolic compounds display other advantages such as the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the interesting molecular mechanisms that we reviewed in this work. We began by briefly outlining the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases to understand the mechanisms that result in irreversible brain damage, then we provided an overall classification of the phenolic compounds that would be addressed later. We reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as some clinical trials in which neuroprotective mechanisms were demonstrated in models of different neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), ischemia, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Exploring the Neuroprotective Potential of Desmodium Species: Insights into Radical Scavenging Capacity and Mechanisms against 6-OHDA-Induced Neurotoxicity

“…Phenolic compounds represent a significant class of secondary metabolites found widely across plant species. These compounds endow plants with antioxidant properties and various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects [18]. Consequently, the total phenolic content serves as an important indicator of a medicinal plant's biological activity and potential medicinal value.…”

Harnessing the Power of Polyphenols: A New Frontier in Disease Prevention and Therapy

“…The worldwide population of elderly individuals is forecasted to multiply within the following thirty years, resulting in a rise in the frequency of neurological ailments [ 191 , 192 , 193 ]. Neurodegenerative illnesses constitute persistent ailments that affect the central nervous system.…”

“…Neurodegenerative illnesses constitute persistent ailments that affect the central nervous system. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and Huntington’s disease (HD) [ 193 , 194 ]. Aging is a fundamental element in the process of neurodegeneration, resulting in alterations in the brain’s tissue equilibrium and playing a role in the initiation of neurodegenerative conditions.…”

“…Tailored attention is crucial for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases as conventional therapies are ineffective for the vast majority of individuals. The absence of achievement in pharmacological investigations emphasizes the requirement for innovative treatment strategies, one of which might entail the utilization of polyphenolic substances [ 193 , 194 ]. Research indicates that phenolic compounds, when ingested, have the intrinsic capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, notably α-glucosidase and α-amylase [ 193 , 195 ].…”

“…The absence of achievement in pharmacological investigations emphasizes the requirement for innovative treatment strategies, one of which might entail the utilization of polyphenolic substances [ 193 , 194 ]. Research indicates that phenolic compounds, when ingested, have the intrinsic capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, notably α-glucosidase and α-amylase [ 193 , 195 ]. Moreover, a variety of phenolic compounds have the ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) ( Figure 8 ) and display noteworthy physiological impacts in experimental setups representing neurodegenerative disorders, both in laboratory settings and within living organisms.…”