Role of BDNF signaling in the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of flavonoids in Alzheimer's Disease

Meysam Amidfar; Michelle Lima Garcez; Gholamreza Askari; Mohammad Bagherniya; Fariborz Khorvash; Sahar Golpour Hamedani; Jade de Oliveira

doi:10.2174/1871527323666230912090856

Role of BDNF signaling in the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of flavonoids in Alzheimer's Disease

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2023 Sep 12. doi: 10.2174/1871527323666230912090856. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Meysam Amidfar¹, Michelle Lima Garcez², Gholamreza Askari^{1

3}, Mohammad Bagherniya^{1

3}, Fariborz Khorvash⁴, Sahar Golpour Hamedani³, Jade de Oliveira⁵

Affiliations

¹ Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
² Graduate Program of Research and Extension (CEPEG), University Center of Espirito Santo, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
³ Nutrition and Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
⁴ Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
⁵ Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

PMID: 37702162
DOI: 10.2174/1871527323666230912090856

Abstract

Introduction: Foods rich in flavonoids are associated with a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In fact, growing evidence suggests that consuming flavonoid-rich foods can beneficially affect normal cognitive function. Animal models have shown that many flavonoids prevent the development of AD-like pathology and improve cognitive deficits.

Result: Flavonoid-rich foods, such as green tea and blueberries, must exert their effect through the direct interaction of absorbed flavonoids and their metabolites with cellular and molecular targets.

Conclusion: Based on the most recent scientific literature, this review article critically examines the therapeutic role of dietary flavonoids in ameliorating and preventing the progression of AD and focuses on the role of the BDNF signaling pathway in the neuroprotective effects of flavonoids.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; BDNF; flavonoids; memory; neuroprotection.