The Pathology of Parkinson’s Disease and Potential Benefit of Dietary Polyphenols

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor at rest, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms such as olfactory impairment, pain, autonomic dysfunction, impaired sleep, fatigue, and behavioral changes. The pathogenesis of PD is believed to involve oxidative stress, disruption to mitochondria, alterations to the protein α-synuclein, and neuroinflammatory processes. There is currently no cure for the disease. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants, which have shown benefit in several experimental models of PD. Intake of polyphenols through diet is also associated with lower PD risk in humans. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathology of PD and the data supporting the potential neuroprotective capacity of increased polyphenols in the diet. Evidence suggests that the intake of dietary polyphenols may inhibit neurodegeneration and the progression of PD. Polyphenols appear to have a positive effect on the gut microbiome, which may decrease inflammation that contributes to the disease. Therefore, a diet rich in polyphenols may decrease the symptoms and increase quality of life in PD patients.

Pharmacological Effects and Potential Clinical Usefulness of Polyphenols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

“…In recent years, natural polyphenols have been attracting attention. Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, chocolate, wine, coffee, and tea [ 40 , 41 , 42 ]. More than 8000 polyphenols have been described to be present in foods and have been shown to play an important role in human health and its maintenance [ 43 ].…”

The Role of The Gut Microbiome in Parkinson’s Disease

“…Intake of polyphenols may alter microbial composition and decrease inflammation through destruction of reactive oxygen species. 102…”

Targeting Mitochondria by Plant Secondary Metabolites: A Promising Strategy in Combating Parkinson’s Disease

“…PD is one of the most common neurological diseases with specific symptoms, including rest tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia [8,25]. By increasing the average age of people, the number of affected patients is expected to increase [11,26].…”

“…The fundamental neuropathology of PD is characterized by the gradual depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), as well as the existence of Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) [26]. These proteins originated from α-synuclein, a presynaptic protein in neuronal cells, and the destruction of dopaminergic neurons [25], involved in familial and intermittent PD. To perform their function, neurons need to supply energy provided by mitochondria [8,27].…”