3.1. Polyphenol Antioxidants
Polyphenols are widely found in plants and are considered the largest group of plant secondary metabolites, with a wide variety of structures ranging from simple hydroxyl groups attached to aromatic rings to highly complex polymeric compounds in tannins and lignin[
78].
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric. Its chemical structure is characterized by two methoxylated phenols linked via α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups[
79], which have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects in a variety of diseases[
80,
81,
82]. Several studies have suggested that curcumin may have some therapeutic potential in NDDs[
83,
84,
85]. curcumin can neutralize reactive oxygen species, such as H2O2, nitrite, and superoxide anion, to reduce oxidative damage in the brain, and can also activate the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to enhance the expression of antioxidant response elements (AREs) to counteract oxidative stress at the cellular level[
86]. In vivo studies have shown that curcumin can increase SOD and GSH levels, inhibit α-synuclein aggregation, as well as elevate dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels, and decrease acetylcholinesterase, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, angiotensin II (Ang II), and caspase 3 levels in the brain of PD mice, further reducing inflammation[
87]. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to protect against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration in the brain tissues of rats with 6-hydroxyanisole (6-OHDA)-induced PD and to increase the viability and survival of primary neurons in rats[
88]. Similar results have been found in AD models, and in the Aβ-induced SHSY5Y cell model, where curcumin intervention restored the normalization of SOD and hydrogen peroxide expression and activity, implying that curcumin can alleviate cellular Aβ-induced oxidative stress[
89]. Curcumin may play crucial roles as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of NDDs.
Chlorogenic acid, a natural phenolic acid compound derived mainly from plants, such as eucommia and honeysuckle, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects[
90,
91]. It has been found that chlorogenic acid can chelate free metal ions in animals and reduce the free radicals generated in the body through the Fenton reaction[
92]. Additionally, chlorogenic acid activates the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and promotes the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), GPx, SOD, and γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γ-GCS). Furthermore, it facilitates the expression of other antioxidant enzymes that inhibit intracellular ROS production and ameliorate cellular oxidative damage[
93]. In a mouse model of PD induced by MPTP, it was found that the activity of SOD can be increased and mitochondrial membrane potential can be restored in brain tissues following chlorogenic acid intervention[
94]. Similar results were found in AD-related studies, where chlorogenic acid combined with aerobic exercise reversed elevated levels of ROS, H2O2, and MDA in the brain tissues of APP/PS1 mice while increasing the levels of CAT, SOD, and GPx to restore the antioxidant capacity of AD mice and to maintain oxidative/antioxidant balance in vivo[
95].
Eugenol, also known as 4-allyl guaiacol, is a weakly acidic phenolic compound mainly derived from the dried flower buds of cloves in the myrtle family[
96,
97]. The antioxidant potential of eugenol is mainly based on free radical scavenging and reduced GSH, which reduces the formation of ROS and thus exerts a neuroprotective effect in NDDs[
98,
99]. It has been shown that eugenol combined with acupuncture treatment can reduce MDA content and increase SOD and GPx activities in the hippocampus, which in turn improves the learning and memory abilities of AD rats, and this effect was found to be superior to that of acupuncture treatment alone[
100].
Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol compound with antioxidant and anti-tumor effects, has four phenolic hydroxyl structures, which are the basis of its reaction with various ROS. The phenolic hydroxyl group in the structure can provide H atoms and oxygen radicals in vivo, which react with oxygen radicals to reduce the content of oxygen radicals in the body[
101]; furthermore, it has been shown to affect a variety of signaling pathways that enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body[
102,
103]. In the quinolinic acid-induced HD rat model, ellagic acid restored the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in brain tissues, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and scavenged free radicals[
104].
Honokiol, a polyphenolic bioactive substance present in magnoliaceae such as thujaplicin,
magnolia grandiflora, and
magnolia officinalis, can increase antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease oxidase activity by scavenging free radicals modulating signaling pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, AMPK. It has been found that honokiol can increase antioxidant enzymes and decrease oxidative enzymes by scavenging free radicals, regulating signaling pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, AMPK, etc., and thus protect the body or cells from oxidative stress[
105,
106,
107]. It was demonstrated that honokiol could alleviate oxidative stress by enhancing GSH synthesis and activating the NRF2-ARE pathway, which not only improved motor function and prolonged the lifespan of SOD1-G93A transgenic ALS mice but also increased the viability of NSC- 34 motor neuron-like cell expressing mutant G93A SOD1 proteins in vitro[
108]. The same effect can also be observed in vitro and in vivo models of AD and PD.
Polyphenolic compounds are now widely used in different neurological disorders and can play an important role in the treatment of these diseases; therefore, better utilization of the antioxidant effects of polyphenolic compounds in aromatic plants, combined with aromatherapy, may provide new ideas for combating NDDs.
Table 1.
Antioxidant effects of polyphenolic compounds in neurodegenerative disorders.
Table 1.
Antioxidant effects of polyphenolic compounds in neurodegenerative disorders.
Compounds |
Types of study |
Cell line(s)/animal model(s) |
Type of Disease |
Mechanism of action/metabolic effects |
References |
Curcumin |
In vitro |
Aβ-induced SH-SY5Y cells |
AD |
Restore mitochondrial membrane potential; Reduce the expression of mitochondrial apoptotic proteins such as cytochrome c, caspase-3 and Bax; Restore normalized activity and expression of SOD1, SOD2 and catalase; Reduce the expression of total GSK-3β and phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β |
[89] |
|
In vivo |
Rotenone-induced swiss albino mice |
PD |
Reduce alpha-synaptic nucleoprotein aggregation; Elevate levels of DA and NA in brain tissue; Reduce MDA levels and increasing SOD, GSH activity |
[87] |
|
In vivo |
6-OHDA-induced SD rat |
PD |
Elevate dopamine levels; Increase SOD and GSH activity |
[109] |
|
In vitro |
Aβ1-42 induction in primary cortical neurons of Wistar albino rats |
AD |
Decrease MDA level, inhibit lipid peroxidation; Elevate GSH, CAT levels and increase SOD activity; Increase neurotrophic factor levels |
[110] |
|
In vivo |
6-OHDA-induced SD rats |
PD |
Reduce MDA content, inhibit lipid peroxidation; Elevate SOD and GPx levels and increases Ach activity. |
[111] |
|
In vivo+ In vitro |
6-OHDA-induced SD rats+ SD rat primary neurons |
PD |
Increase SOD and GPx levels and decreased MDA levels; Increase Wnt3a, β-catenin protein and mRNA expression and c-myc and cyclinD1 mRNA expression |
[88] |
|
In vitro |
AβO-induced SH-SY5Y cells |
AD |
Reduce ROS generation and attenuates oxidative stress Inhibit Tau hyperphosphorylation; |
[112] |
Chlorogenic Acid |
In vivo |
MPTP-induced Swiss albino mice |
PD |
Increase mtGSH Mn-SOD levels inhibited the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins (including Bax and caspase-3) while increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g. Bcl-2) |
[94] |
|
In vitro |
Aβ-induced primary hippocampal neurons of SD rats |
AD |
Elevate SOD and GPx levels |
[113] |
|
In vivo |
APP/PS1 transgenic mice |
AD |
Reduce the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α; Reduce the levels of MDA and H2O2, elevate the levels of SOD, CAT and GPx, and inhibit ROS generation; Reduce Aβ deposition and attenuate neuronal damage; Activate the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway |
[95] |
|
In vivo+ In vitro |
Rotenone-induced C57BL/6 mice+ GLUTag cells |
PD |
Reduce MDA content in the striatum and cortex, elevate GSH levels, and attenuate oxidative damage; Restore the expression of colonic GPR-40 and GPR-43; Up-regulate the expression of GLP-1 receptor in colon, striatum and cortex; Reduce the accumulation of α-synuclein; Reduce dopaminergic neuron loss |
[114] |
Ellagic Acid |
In vitro |
Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cells |
AD |
Inhibit ROS production; Reduce calcium production. |
[115] |
|
In vivo |
AlCl3-induced Wistar rat |
AD |
Elevate SOD and GSH levels; Restore the normal structure of neurons; Down-regulate APP and caspase expression |
[116] |
|
In vivo |
QA-induced Wistar rat |
HD |
Attenuate AchE activity; Increase the level of CAT in the cortex, restore the level of SOD in the cerebral cortex and the level of GSH in the striatum; Decrease the levels of IL-6, TNF-α; Decrease the level of caspase-3 |
[104] |
Honokiol |
In vivo+ In vitro |
hSOD1-G93A transgenic mice + NSC-34 cells transfected with SOD1 G93A |
ALS |
Activate NRF2-ARE pathway, increases GSH, CAT, GSR activities, and decreases MDA content; Restore mitochondrial function and morphology |
[108] |
|
In vivo+ In vitro |
Aβ1-42-induced C57BL/6 mice + AβO-induced primary hippocampal neurons of SD rats |
AD |
Decrease the production of Bax and caspase-9, increases the expression of Bcl2, and reduce neuronal apoptosis; Inhibit ROS generation, attenuate oxidative stress |
[117] |
3.2. Terpenoid Antioxidants
Terpenoids are a class of compounds with the general formula (C5H8)n as well as their oxygenated and variously saturated derivatives. Widespread in nature, higher plants, fungi, microorganisms, insects, and marine organisms, all have terpene constituents. Terpenoids are an important component of aromatic plant extracts, with antioxidant[
118], anti-inflammatory[
119,
120], and antiviral effects[
121], and it has been found that terpenoids also play an important role in the treatment of NDDs[
122].
Linalool, an aromatic plant-derived monoterpene, is found primarily in the essential oils of plants such as coriander, basil and peppermint. Linalool is known to possess anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties and has a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects[
123,
124]. Linalool was found to scavenge mitochondrial ROS and restore mitochondrial membrane potential in a glutamate-induced oxidative stress cell model, demonstrating the potential neuroprotective effects of linalool under oxidative stress conditions[
125]. In Aβ-induced Drosophila and SD rat models, linalool increased the survival rate of Drosophila, decreased the level of ROS in the optic discs of Drosophila larvae, and also decreased the content of the lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the brain tissues of AD rats, thus preventing the neurotoxicity of Aβ through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory[
126]. In an in vitro model of PD established after MPP+ induction in SH-SY5Y cells, the protein expression of Nrf2 in the nucleus and HO-1 in the cytoplasm was elevated by linalool treatment, whereas the protein expression of gp91phox (also known as NOX2), one of the catalytic subunits of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, which induces the production of ROS, was downregulated. It is sufficiently demonstrated that linalool can enhance the antioxidant defense of MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells[
127].
Safranal, a monoterpene aldehyde, is the main volatile component of saffron and the source of its distinctive odor. Several studies have shown that safranal has antioxidant[
128], anti-inflammatory[
129], cardioprotective[
130] and other pharmacological activities. In recent years, safranal has been found to have potential in NDDs associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired mitochondrial function[
131], and is particularly excellent in combating oxidative stress[
132]. For instance, safranal reduced MDA, ROS, protein carbonyls, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and apoptotic biomarkers including cystatin 3 and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, and improved the SOD activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels in the hippocampus of Aβ-induced AD rats, improving the cognitive deficits in rats by ameliorating the effects of apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cholinesterase activity[
133]. Aromatic plant-derived compounds have been less studied in the treatment of HD. However, one study one study found that safranal prevented the 3-NP-induced elevation of nitrite and MDA levels as well as the reduction of SOD, catalase activity, and GSH in the cortex and striatum of HD rats, thereby improving their motor dysfunction[
134]. Thus, safranal could be more intensively investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for HD.
In addition, many terpenoids play an essential role in treating of NDDs. For example,
β-caryophyllene is a natural plant oil derived from clove and cinnamon and belongs to the class of bicyclic sesquiterpenes[
135]. It was found that β-caryophyllene could effectively restore the activities of SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes and inhibit lipid peroxidation in rotenone-induced Wistar rats, further exerting an anti-oxidative stress effect[
136].
1,8-Cineole, also known as eucalyptol or caffeol, is a monoterpene ether found in many plants' essential oils. Tan et al. found that 1,8-Cineole was effective in enhancing
C. elegans survival under conditions of acute oxidative stress and significantly reduced ROS levels, while exerting anti-AD and antioxidant effects through activation of the SKN-1/Nrf-2 pathway, using the Aβ-induced model of the
C. elegans[
137].
Limonene is a monoterpene compound with a lemon-like flavor widely in nature, mainly found in the aromatic volatile oils of Citrus spp. and some aquatic plants[
138]. Eddin et al. found that limonene significantly reduced MDA levels and increased the activities/concentrations of SOD, CAT, and GSH, as well as reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and the levels of iNOS, COX-2, P-NF-κB, and P-IOS in the striatum, in the caviar-induced rat model of PD. Limonene can play multiple roles, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and others, in treating PD[
139].
Artemisinin, a compound derived from Artemisia annua, has been used clinically for decades mainly in the treatment of malaria[
140], and a large number of studies have now demonstrated that artemisinin and its derivatives have significant neuroprotective effects[
141,
142]. Lim et al. found that artemisinin increased the levels of Nrf2 DNA-binding activity and its regulated proteins HO-1 and NQO1 in differentiated PC12 cells and mouse brain, attenuated the toxicity of MPP+ to PC12 cells, and inhibited the generation of ROS, suggesting that artemisinin can protect dopaminergic neurons by activating the Nrf2 pathway to generate antioxidant enzymes and thereby ameliorating motor behavioral deficits in mice[
143].
Terpenoids are now widely used in the treatment of AD and PD, and they can also be fully utilized in the prevention and treatment of other NDDs to explore their mechanisms of action further and maximize their neuroprotective effects.
Table 2.
Antioxidant effects of terpenoids in neurodegenerative diseases.
Table 2.
Antioxidant effects of terpenoids in neurodegenerative diseases.
Compounds |
Types of study |
Cell line(s)/animal model(s) |
Type of Disease |
Mechanism of action/metabolic effects |
References |
Linalool |
In vivo |
Aβ-induced C57BL/6 mice |
AD |
Elevate SOD and GPx activities; Decrease malondialdehyde levels; Decrease the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3 |
[144] |
|
In vivo |
AD Drosophila model + Aβ-induced SD rats |
AD |
Reduce the level of ROS in the optic disc of Drosophila larvae; Reduce the level of lipid peroxidation product 4-HNE in brain tissue of AD rats |
[126] |
|
In vivo |
AlCl3-induced C57BL/6 mouse |
AD |
Reduce MDA content and inhibits lipid peroxidation; Restore normal levels of SOD and GPx; Activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress; Upregulate CaMKII protein level, improving synaptic plasticity; Increase the level of BDNF |
[145] |
|
In vivo+ In vitro |
MPP+-induced SHSY5Y cells + MPTP-induced C57BL/6 mice |
PD |
Increase protein expression of nuclear Nrf2 and cytoplasmic HO-1 and down-regulatedgp91phox expression in SHSY5Y cells; Inhibite ROS generation and attenuate oxidative stress; |
[127] |
Safranal |
In vitro |
rotenone-induced dopaminergic neurons |
PD |
Inhibition of ROS generation in dopaminergic neurons by Nrf2-induced downstream antioxidant enzyme genes including GST, GCLs, NQO1 and HO-1-inducible |
[146] |
|
In vivo |
Aβ1-40-induced Wistar rat |
AD |
Reduce MDA, ROS, protein carbonyl, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF α, NF-kB, and apoptotic biomarkers including cystatinase 3 and acetylcholinesterase activities in hippocampus, and improve SOD activity and mitochondrial membrane potential levels |
[133] |
|
In vivo |
3-NP-induced Wistar rats |
HD |
Prevent 3-NP-induced increasing in nitrite and MDA levels, as well as decreasing in SOD, catalase activity, and GSH. |
[134] |
|
In vivo |
QA-induced Wistar rat |
HD |
Reduction of QA-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage prevents QA-generated reduction of hippocampal thiol redox and antioxidant status. |
[147] |
β-Caryophyllene |
In vivo |
Rotenone- induced Wistar rats |
PD |
Prevent the loss of dopaminergic neurons and striatal nerve fibers; Reduce MDA level bar and prevent GSH depletion; Restore SOD and CAT activity; Reduce IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-a levels; Reduce COX-2 and iNOS expression. |
[136] |
|
In vitro |
MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells |
PD |
Inhibit MPP+-induced lactate dehydrogenase release and ROS production and increase intracellular GSH and GPx activity; Decrease caspase-3 and Bax levels and increase Bcl-2 expression; |
[148] |
|
In vivo |
MPTP-induced C57BL/6 mice |
PD |
Enhancement of NQO1 expression and enzyme activity inhibits oxidative stress-induced cell death in MPTP-exposed dopaminergic neurons |
[149] |
Limonene |
In vivo |
Rotenone- induced Wistar rats |
PD |
Decrease dopaminergic neuron loss; Increase levels of BDNF and decreased accumulation of alpha-synuclein; Decrease MDA levels and increase activity/concentration of SOD, catalase and GSH; Reduce levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6; Reduce expression of iNOS, COX-2, P-NF-κ B and P-I κ B in the striatum; Reduce ROT-induced phosphorylation of MAPK signaling proteins in the striatum |
[139] |
1,8-cineole |
In vitro |
Aβ1-42-induced C.elegans |
AD |
Significantly reduce ROS levels; Activate the SKN-1/Nrf-2 pathway and upregulates the expression of SKN-1, GCS-1 and GST-4" |
[137] |
|
In vitro |
Aβ25-35-induced PC12 cells |
AD |
CIN significantly reduced ROS levels in AB25-35 cells in a dose-dependent relationship |
[150] |
Arteannuin |
In vivo+ In vitro |
MPTP-induced C57BL/6 mice + (MPP+)-induced PC12 cells |
PD |
Increase the level of Nrf2 DNA binding activity and its regulated proteins HO-1 and NQO1 in PC12 cells and mouse brain tissue Attenuate the cytotoxicity of MPP+ and decreased the level of ROS; Reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and cleaved cysteine-3 activity Reduce dopaminergic neuron loss in mice |
[143] |
3.3. Flavonoid Antioxidants
Flavonoid is a natural compound widely found in various green plants; its parent structure is by two benzene rings, a C3 phase linkage formation, containing flavonoids, flavanones, flavonols, etc[
151]. A large body of research literature suggests that flavonoids such as quercetin, naringin and glycyrrhizin can contribute to the reduction of major neuronal lesions present in the brain of patients with NDDs by modulating the processes of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, providing an adequate neuroprotective effect[
152]. It is also recognized that flavonoids can cross the blood-brain barrier, thus forming chelates that exert powerful antioxidant properties against ROS and neuroprotective effects on the brain[
153].
Quercetin belongs to an important group of flavonoids, widely found in versatile vegetables and fruits, with good antioxidant stress response, strong inhibition and scavenging of ROS, which can play an important role in a variety of diseases and is also an excellent neuroprotective agent[
154]. Studies have shown that oral administration of quercetin can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) and prevent neurological damage[
155]. In rodent studies, oral administration of quercetin was found to protect against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced by various neurotoxicities[
156]. In studies of AD, quercetin was found to reduce ROS production, apoptosis, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 expression, and Aβ accumulation in H2O2-induced SHSY5Y cells[
157], as well as increasing the expression levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD1, CAT, and GPx1, and decreases the expression level of iNOS in the brain tissues of AlCl3-induced Wistar rats and reduces ROS generation[
158]. Napatr Sriraksa et al. conducted an oral quercetin experiment in Parkinsonian rats and concluded that quercetin reduced oxidative damage, increased neuronal density, and attenuated cognitive deficits by decreasing the level of MDA and AChE, thereby increasing the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx[
159]. Similarly, Sandhir's laboratory found restorations in SOD and CAT activities after treatment with quercetin supplementation in rat models of 3-NP-induced HD[
160]. It is also evident that quercetin is now widely used in the management of NDDs.
Naringin also belongs to the bioflavonoids class, which has various pharmacological effects, especially positive effects on a wide range of neurological disorders. A Meta-analytical study showed that naringin inhibits neurological disorders in the brain of rodents induced by a wide range of physical and chemical stimuli, mainly relying on its effect on the antioxidant stress response; it has also been shown to restore oxidative stress markers to varying degrees[
161]. In a mouse AD model induced by AlCl3, control treatment with naringenin gavage revealed that naringenin reduced hippocampal MDA and NO levels, increased GSH levels, and decreased cerebellar iNOS expression, and ameliorated lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress due to AlCl3 by virtue of its antioxidant properties[
162]. Kumar et al., in Huntington's experimental model of 3-NP, found that the naringenin-treated 3-NP treatment group significantly attenuated lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration, restored SOD and catalase activity, and improved mitochondrial function, which resulted in improved motor dysfunction in mice[
163].
In addition to the two flavonoids mentioned above that have significant antioxidant effects in treating NDDs, other flavonoid compounds are essential in treating NDDs.
Hesperidin is one of the most abundant phytoflavonoids in citrus fruits. It possesses various biological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[
164]. Kuppusamy Tamilselvam et al. pretreated a Parkinson's cell model established by rotenone-induced SK-N-SH cells using hesperidin, and the results indicated that hesperidin significantly increased the cellular activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and that its favorable antioxidant effects resulted in neuroprotection[
165].
Glycyrrhizin, a major constituent of licorice, a common herb, has been reported to have antioxidant activity in a variety of studies, and its potent antioxidant properties can play an important role in the treatment of a wide range of diseases[
166]. By applying glycyrrhizic acid gavage treatment to a scopolamine-induced mouse model of cognitive impairment, Ju Yeon Ban et al. found that in the glycyrrhizic acid-treated group there was a significant reversal of scopolamine-induced superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and had significant neuroprotective effects against neurological deficits[
167]. In the HD model established after 3-NP stimulation in Wistar rats, glycyrrhizin significantly ameliorated oxidative stress by restoring GSH, SOD, and Nrf2, while suppressing malondialdehyde levels[
168].
Flavonoids are now widely used to treat tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and diseases in other organ systems; furthermore, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities make them perfect for anti-tumor and cardioprotection. Therefore, active research on the mechanisms of action of flavonoids in the management of NDDs may bring new hope for the prevention and treatment of NDDs.
Table 3.
Role of flavonoids in neurodegenerative diseases.
Table 3.
Role of flavonoids in neurodegenerative diseases.
Compounds |
Types of study |
Cell line(s)/animal model(s) |
Type of Disease |
Mechanism of action/metabolic effects |
References |
Quercetin |
In vitro |
H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cells |
AD |
Reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 expression and Aβ accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells |
[157] |
|
In vivo |
Streptozotocin-induced Wistar rat |
AD |
Increase SOD and CAT activities; Elevate total antioxidant levels in hippocampus; Reduce MDA content and inhibit lipid peroxidation |
[169] |
|
In vivo |
AlCl3-induced Wistar rats |
AD |
Decrease AchE activity Increase the expression level of antioxidant enzymes SOD1, CAT and GPx, decrease the expression level of iNOS, and reduce ROS generation; Increase the expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 and decrease the expression of pro-apoptotic gene BAX |
[158] |
|
In vivo |
6-OHDA-induced Wistar rat |
PD |
Reduce AchE activity; Decrease MDA content and inhibit lipid peroxidation; Increase the activity of SOD, GPx, CAT |
[159] |
|
In vitro |
H2O2-induced PC12 cells |
PD |
Reduce ROS generation, lower MDA content and inhibit lipid peroxidation; Enhance the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx; Increase Bcl2, decreased Bax expression, decrease expression of cleaved caspase-3 and p53, and decrease apoptosis |
[170] |
|
In vivo |
3-NP-induced Wistar rat |
HD |
Restoration of SOD and CAT activity; Restoration of mitochondrial function. |
[160] |
Naringin |
In vivo |
Aβ1-42 and manganese induction in Wistar rats |
AD |
Attenuate elevation of MDA and nitrite concentrations and restore CAT and GSH levels Restore mitochondrial enzyme complex (I, II and IV) activity and enhance the protective effect of AChE; Attenuate the elevation of TNF-α; Reduce the precipitation of Aβ |
[171] |
|
In vivo |
AlCl3-induced albino rat |
AD |
Reduce cerebellar iNOS expression and phosphorylation of Tau protein Decrease cerebellar iNOS expression and Tau protein phosphorylation |
[162] |
|
In vitro |
6-OHDA-induced Parkinsonian zebrafish + 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells |
PD |
Increase GSH, SOD and CAT levels and attenuates oxidative stress; Decrease ROS production; Increase mitochondrial membrane potential; Downregulate the expression levels of lrrk2, polg and caspase9 genes |
[172] |
|
In vivo |
Vanadium-induced Wistar rats |
PD |
Effective improvement of GPx, CAT |
[173] |
|
In vivo |
MPTP-induced C57BL/6J mice |
PD |
Increase the activity of glutathione reductase and catalase, reduce the content of LPO, and reverse the toxic effect of MPTP. |
[174] |
|
In vivo |
3-NP-induced Wistar rats |
HD |
Significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, restored superoxide dismutase and catalase activity |
[163] |
Hesperidin |
In vivo |
AlCl3-induced Albino Wistar rats |
AD |
Elevate GSH levels, increase SOD, CAT, GPx activities, and reduce oxidative stress; Decrease Bax levels, increase Bcl2 levels, and decrease cellular autophagy |
[175] |
|
In vitro |
Rotenone-induced SK-N-SH cells |
PD |
Increase GSH levels and activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx; Inhibite the generation of ROS; Increase intracellular ATP levels; Restore mitochondrial membrane potential; Increase Bcl-2 expression and decreased Bax expression |
[165] |
Glycyrrhizic acid |
In vivo |
3-NP-induced Wistar albino rats |
HD |
Restore GSH, SOD, and Nrf2 activity, inhibits malondialdehyde activity Decrease TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and reduce inflammatory response, and Increase BDNF content, improve neuronal damage |
[168] |
|
In vivo |
Rotenone-induced Wistar rats |
PD |
Increase antioxidant enzyme activity, inhibit glutathione depletion, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and attenuate dopaminergic neuron loss |
[46] |
Figure 2.
Role of aromatic plant extracts in neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids play different roles in different NDDs (AD, PD, HD, and ALS). However, in general, they mainly reflect the reduction of MDA content and the increase of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH activities, and also play an antioxidant role by affecting the Nrf2 signaling pathway to activate the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and inhibit the production of ROS. At the same time, it can also inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and play an anti-inflammatory role in preventing and treating NDDs.
Figure 2.
Role of aromatic plant extracts in neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids play different roles in different NDDs (AD, PD, HD, and ALS). However, in general, they mainly reflect the reduction of MDA content and the increase of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH activities, and also play an antioxidant role by affecting the Nrf2 signaling pathway to activate the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and inhibit the production of ROS. At the same time, it can also inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and play an anti-inflammatory role in preventing and treating NDDs.