Phytochemicals Mediated Remediation of Neurotoxicity Induced by Heavy Metals

Abstract

Almost all the environmental components including both the abiotic and biotic factors have been consistently threatened by excessive contamination of heavy metals continuously released from various sources. Different heavy metals have been reported to generate adverse effects in many ways. Heavy metals induced neurotoxicity and impairment in signalling cascade leading to cell death (apoptosis) has been indicated by several workers. On one hand, these metals are required by the cellular systems to regulate various biological functions of normal cells, while on the other their biomagnification in the cellular systems produces adverse effects. The mechanism by which the heavy metals induce neurotoxicity follows free radicals production pathway(s) specially the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These free radicals produced in excess have been shown to create an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidative systems leading to emergence of oxidative stress, which may cause necrosis, DNA damage, and many neurodegenerative disorders. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge available on the protective role of varied natural products isolated from different herbs/plants in imparting protection against heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury) mediated neurotoxicity.

Neuroprotective effect of grape seed extract against cadmium toxicity in male albino rats

“…54,55 Free radicals oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and hydroxyl (OHS), peroxyl (ROS), and alkoxyl (ROOS) groups. The cell membrane susceptible to attack from free radicals which leads to lipid oxidation.…”

CURCUMIN ATTENUATES LEAD (Pb)–INDUCED NEUROBEHAVIORL AND NEUROBIOCHEMICAL DYSFUNCTION: A REVIEW

“…The level of oxidative stress markers such as protein carbonyl and lipid peroxidation observed in LA treated rats were increased, whereas the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, non-enzymatic antioxidants and neurotoxicity biomarker were strongly depleted. Developmental stress induced by the accumulation of lead was studied previously [25][26][27][28][29][30]. Liu et al (2013) evaluated the impact of puerarin and its protective effect on mice lead-induced cognitive impairment by modifying the enzyme activities, including, nitric oxide synthase, monoamine oxidase, and acetyl cholinesterase [25].…”

Reduction in Prevalence of Hypertension and Blood Heavy Metals among Curry-Consumed Korean

“…Heavy metals like Pb, Hg, and Cd are toxic to the human body, and can cause various diseases, such as, CVD and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (Gupta et al 2015;Kukongviriyapan et al 2016). Heavy metals can increase ROS and reactive nitrogen species levels, and thus, increase oxidative stress (Jomova and Valko 2011), which can cause DNA damage and oxidize protein thiol groups.…”

“…In fact, one case report of the death of a boy with autism caused by a heart attack was attributed to EDTA treatment (Baxter and Krenzelok 2008). Therefore, methods for reducing the side effects of chelation therapy have been studied based on the use of natural products or foods (Gupta et al 2015), essential metals, vitamins, phytochemicals, or probiotics (Zhai et al 2015). Representative phytochemical antidotes for heavy metal induced toxicity include allicin from garlic (Aslani et al 2010;Shahsavani et al 2011), anthocyanin from cherry, grapes and berries , catechins from tea, cocoa, peach, and berries (Chen et al 2016).…”