The Potential Benefits of Dietary Polyphenols for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

Peripheral nerves are frequently affected by lesions caused by trauma (work accidents, car incidents, combat injuries) and following surgical procedures (for instance cancer resection), resulting in loss of motor and sensory function with lifelong impairments. Irrespective of the intrinsic capability of the peripheral nervous system for regeneration, spontaneous or surgically supported regeneration is often unsatisfactory with the limited functional success of nerve repair. For this reason, many efforts have been made to improve the regeneration process. Beyond innovative microsurgical methods that, in certain cases, are necessary to repair nerve injuries, different nonsurgical treatment approaches and adjunctive therapies have been investigated to enhance nerve regeneration. One possibility could be taking advantage of a healthy diet or lifestyle and their relation with proper body functions. Over the years, scientific evidence has been obtained on the benefits of the intake of polyphenols or polyphenol-rich foods in humans, highlighting the neuroprotective effects of these compounds in many neurodegenerative diseases. In order to improve the available knowledge about the potential beneficial role of polyphenols in the process of peripheral nerve regeneration, this review assessed the biological effects of polyphenol administration in supporting and promoting the regenerative process after peripheral nerve injury.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Foeniculum vulgare extract regulate retrieval of sensory and motor functions in mice

“…Consequently, the ROS-mediated such biochemical chnages delay regain of functions and regenration after nerve injury. Thus, polyphenolic compounds could act as diet substitutes controlling the ROS to avoid any such changes for the maintenance of growth-permissive environment at the site of injury [ 48 ].…”

“…The FV is enriched with quercitin and kaempferols showing high ROS scavenging potential. They activate antioxidant defence machinery and control oxidative stress [ 48 , 65 ]. The kaempferols supprot axonal growth and regeneration by controlling oxidative stress through the regulation of proteins vital for antioxidant defense [ 66 , 67 ].…”

Nanosuspension of Foeniculum Vulgare Promotes Accelerated Sensory and Motor Function Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Injury

“…Polyphenols, owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, could support and modulate the regeneration process after PNI. Therefore, polyphenols could be good candidates as complementary diet substitutes for supporting peripheral nerve regeneration [ 48 ]. Over the centuries, plant metabolites have established their worth as potent sustainable sources and key targets for drug development.…”

“…The polyphenolics such as kaempferol and quercetin, the major phytoconstituents of FV, contain known antioxidants with the capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. They modulate antioxidant defense systems to regulate the production of oxidants at the injury site [ 48 , 65 ]. Additionally, quercetin and its derivatives coordinate with the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to regulate cell proliferation and neuronal recovery [ 66 ].…”

“…The FV-based metabolites provided protection against oxidants and thus are capable of facilitating the regeneration process [ 69 , 70 , 71 ]. A number of studies have evaluated polyphenols as potent metabolites to accelerate recovery of motor and sensory functions in injured nerves [ 48 , 72 ]. Thus, the enrichment of FV-based flavonoids and polyphenols played a crucial role in regulating oxidant status and boosting the reclamation process after induced nerve lesions.…”