The Use of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Migraine

Abstract

Despite numerous studies concerning the pathophysiology of migraine, the exact molecular mechanism of disturbances underlying migraine is still unknown. Furthermore, oxidative stress is considered to play a significant role in migraine pathogenesis. The notion of oxidative stress in migraine patients has been discussed for several decades. Over the past few years, among the substances that could potentially be used for migraine treatment, particular attention has been paid to the so-called nutraceutics, including antioxidants. Antioxidants supplied with food prevent oxidative stress by inhibiting initiation, propagation, and the oxidative chain reaction itself. Additionally, the agents used so far in the prevention of migraine indeed show some anti-oxidative action. The antioxidants discussed in the present paper are increasingly more often used by migraine patients not only due to mild or even a lack of side effects but also because of their effectiveness (decreased frequency of migraine episodes or shortening of an episode duration). The present review provides a summary of the studies on nutraceuticals with antioxidative properties.

The Lactobacillus brevis 47 f Strain Protects the Murine Intestine from Enteropathy Induced by 5-Fluorouracil

“…However, ROS elevation and an unrestricted oxidation may lead to damage of subcellular structures and cell death [ 3 ]. To combat ROS bursts for therapy a variety of antioxidants of different types have been used [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Many lactobacilli display antioxidant activity that has been determined in bacterial cultures and in animal models. This activity can be found in living as well as in heat-inactivated bacteria, in cell free extracts and in culture supernatants, indicating that individual cell components and metabolites can have antioxidative properties [ 6 , 8 ] Furthermore, lactobacilli produce a number of biologically active compounds such as peptides, short chain fatty acids, microRNAs, and lipoteichoic acid [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], thereby activating the antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase via Nrf2-Keap1-ARE-, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB)-, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/protein kinase C pathways [ 12 , 13 ]. The antioxidant properties, together with immunostimulatory and metabolic activities, and antagonism against pathogenic microorganisms, make lactobacilli attractive therapeutic tools in clinical situations.…”

Vitamin C Acutely Affects Brain Perfusion and Mastication-Induced Perfusion Asymmetry in the Principal Trigeminal Nucleus

“…Such physiologic mechanisms could be the substrate for trigemino-vascular disorders, like migraine. In this frame, the clinical observations showing significant improvements on headache frequency and severity following the chronic administration (3 months) of vitamin C (150 mg/die) in migraine patients (Chayasirisobhon, 2013;Goschorska et al, 2020) may support the role played by vitamin C on brain structures involved in migraine pathophysiology such as the trigeminal nuclei. The main limits of the present study are the lack of a control scan before the ingestion of vit.…”

Bioactive Compounds of Edible Fruits with Their Anti-Aging Properties: A Comprehensive Review to Prolong Human Life

“…Various epidemiological data have shown strong correlations between the intake of bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and decreased rates of neurodegenerative pathologies, such as aging [ 167 , 233 ]. As antioxidants obtained from natural sources help in combating various types of stresses one of which is migraine, which is considered a neurodegenerative disorder and helps in preventing the production of oxidative stress by suppressing the activation, spread, and oxidative chain reactions [ 234 ]. Clinical trials have also shown that the consumption of Citrus sp.…”