Polyphenols Targeting NF-κB Pathway in Neurological Disorders: What We Know So Far?

Abstract

Polyphenolic compounds have shown promising neuroprotective properties, making them a valuable resource for identifying prospective drug candidates to treat several neurological disorders (NDs). Numerous studies have reported that polyphenols can disrupt the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation or ubiquitination of signaling molecules, which further prevents the degradation of IκB. Additionally, they prevent NF-κB translocation to the nucleus and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Polyphenols such as curcumin, resveratrol, and pterostilbene had significant inhibitory effects on NF-κB, making them promising candidates for treating NDs. Recent experimental findings suggest that polyphenols possess a wide range of pharmacological properties. Notably, much attention has been directed towards their potential therapeutic effects in NDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebral ischemia, anxiety, depression, autism, and spinal cord injury (SCI). Much preclinical data supporting the neurotherapeutic benefits of polyphenols has been developed. Nevertheless, this study has described the significance of polyphenols as potential neurotherapeutic agents, specifically emphasizing their impact on the NF-κB pathway. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the involvement of polyphenols in NDs, including both preclinical and clinical perspectives.

A Comprehensive Analytical Review of Polyphenols: Evaluating Neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…They can neutralize free radicals and ROS, reducing oxidative stress, which is a significant contributor to neuronal damage in AD [ 153 ]. In vitro studies have shown that polyphenols can also modulate signaling pathways involved in cell survival and apoptosis, further contributing to their neuroprotective potential [ 154 ].…”

Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation

“…Diet has proved to exert immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects and limit the inflammation induced by glial cells, thus improving neurological clinical status [18]. Various studies have explored the neuroprotective role of polyphenolic compounds (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, and pterostilbene) that can inhibit the NF-kB pathway, as well as prevent the NF-kB nuclear translocation and inflammatory cytokine production [186].…”