Role of phytochemicals as nutraceuticals for cognitive functions affected in ageing

Abstract

Cognitive decline can occur with normal ageing and in age‐related brain disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, with limited pharmacological therapies available. Other approaches to reduce cognitive decline are urgently needed, and so, the role of dietary interventions or nutraceuticals has received much attention in this respect. In this review, we examine the evidence for dietary plants and their chemical constituents as nutraceuticals, relevant to both cognitive decline in normal ageing and in dementia. Pharmacological (in vitro and in vivo), clinical and epidemiological evidence is assessed for both frequently consumed plants and their dietary forms, including tea, coffee, cocoa (chocolate), red wine, grapes, citrus and other fruits; in addition to plants used less frequently in certain diets and those that cross the blurred boundaries between foods, nutraceuticals and medicinal plants. For the latter, turmeric, saffron, sage, rosemary and lemon balm are examples of those discussed. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc

Natural Compounds and Autophagy: Allies Against Neurodegeneration

“…The majority of nutraceuticals reported here has been selected for their effects on the macroautophagy machinery in experimental neurodegenerative models. However, it is important to emphasize that their activity is non specific, because the same compound has multiple roles and may act as an anti-aging, anti-apoptotic, free radicals-scavenger or anti-inflammatory drug (Howes et al, 2020). For example, ferulic acid, a phenolic compound commonly present in fruits and vegetables, orally administered at 80-100 mg/kg in rats 30 min before middle cerebral artery occlusion, limits ischemia reducing apoptosis and activating autophagy (Cheng et al, 2019).…”

Functional Foods: An Approach to Modulate Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Oxidative stress has been linked to ageing and cognitive decline [170], and the antioxidant effects of CUR have been of much interest in this respect. The antioxidant mechanisms of CUR are also considered central to explain its neuroprotective effects against Aβ (see below), while related compounds from turmeric rhizome (demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and calebin A) are also neuroprotective in vitro [171].…”

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Top Extract Ameliorates Cognitive Decline in Senescence Model SAMP8 Mice: Modulation of Neural Development and Energy Metabolism

“…With the rapid growth of the aging population and increasing awareness of the risk of dementia, prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline have become research priorities. Pharmacological therapies are currently limited, and recently attention has turned to the role of dietary interventions or nutraceuticals in this respect ( Williams et al, 2011 ; Howes et al, 2020 ).…”