Potency of Selected Berries, Grapes, and Citrus Fruit as Neuroprotective Agents

Abstract

A healthy diet should nourish the brain with essential nutrients, including bioactive compounds, for normal brain functioning and to protect it from the negative effects of inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, a concise summation of the protective effects of selected fruits, namely, berries, grapes, and citrus fruits, against neurological disorder is presented. The focus is on the neuroprotective potential of these fruits against neurodegenerative and mental disorders. The fruits selection was based on the vast reported pharmacological studies on their neuroprotection efficacies. Hence, the respective knowledge and limitations are discussed based on the biological and pharmacological evidence compiled from the previously reported laboratory, epidemiology, and intervention trials.

Potential Nutraceutical Properties of Leaves from Several Commonly Cultivated Plants

“…Likewise, only low to moderate antioxidant properties have been reported for C. reticulata and C. limon peel essential oils [ 61 , 72 ]. Nevertheless, irrespective of their relatively weak antioxidant activity, the multitude of phytochemicals from citrus fruits may contribute to their purported neuroprotective properties [ 73 ].…”

The role of plant‐derived natural antioxidants in reduction of oxidative stress

“…In vitro studies have shown that polyphenols in berries could remodel the amyloid‐beta accumulations, which is the primary process of cerebral damage in Alzheimer's disease. Also, blueberry could alleviate the inflammation of microglial cells through inflammatory mediator reduction 3,96,97 …”

“…Given the adverse effect of alcohol on the neurobehavior and embryonic development of the zebrafish larvae, Liu et al evaluated the protective effects of these glycoside flavanones (naringin, hesperidin, and naringenin) on the developmental defects and thigmotaxis induced by alcohol in those larvae. Using behavioral tests, they found that acute exposure to 1% alcohol‐induced thigmotaxis in zebrafish larvae 3 and 5 days after fertilization; however, these antioxidants could inhibit this behavior and reduce the alcohol‐induced morphological defects and apoptosis if they are administered during its development 3,96 . Furthermore, a diet containing orange juice could improve the cognitive function of healthy elderly in 8 weeks because it was rich in flavanone 104,105 …”

“…Also, blueberry could alleviate the inflammation of microglial cells through inflammatory mediator reduction. 3,96,97…”

“…Using behavioral tests, they found that acute exposure to 1% alcoholinduced thigmotaxis in zebrafish larvae 3 and 5 days after fertilization; however, these antioxidants could inhibit this behavior and reduce the alcohol-induced morphological defects and apoptosis if they are administered during its development. 3,96 Furthermore, a diet containing orange juice could improve the cognitive function of healthy elderly in 8 weeks because it was rich in flavanone. 104,105 5 | FLAVONOIDS Flavonoids (Figure 1) are considered as very versatile compounds that have indicated photochemical properties and can protect beverages against light-inducing color deterioration.…”