The Neuroprotective Effects of Phenolic Acids: Molecular Mechanism of Action

Nutrients. 2017 May 10;9(5):477. doi: 10.3390/nu9050477.

Abstract

The neuroprotective role of phenolic acids from food has previously been reported by many authors. In this review, the role of phenolic acids in ameliorating depression, ischemia/reperfusion injury, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, glutamate-induced toxicity, epilepsy, imbalance after traumatic brain injury, hyperinsulinemia-induced memory impairment, hearing and vision disturbances, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, anti-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Chagas disease and other less distributed diseases is discussed. This review covers the in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies concerning the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders (on the biochemical and gene expression levels) by phenolic acids.

Keywords: benzoic acids; central nervous system; cinnamic acids; glial cell; neuroinflammation; neurological disorder; neuron; neuroprotection; polyphenols.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Phenols / chemistry
  • Phenols / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Phenols