Narrative Review: Edible Plants as a Source of Valuable Flavonoids and Their Role as Neuroprotector Agents

Abstract

Background: Neurodegenerative disorder is a consequence of the gradual and progressive deterioration of the function and structure of the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system or both. Currently does not exist an effective treatment for this neurodegenerative disease, thus flavonoids abundant in fruits and vegetables have attracted attention as potential neuroprotective agents. Objective: The aim of this review was to discuss the existing scientific literature data regarding flavonoids, from edible plants and their potential as neuroprotective agents, to provide constituent compound and pharmacological relevance in the prevention or treatment of age-related deficits in learning, memory, and Alzheimer’s disorder. Methods: Exhaustive bibliographic investigation on phytochemistry and pharmacology associated with flavonoids from edible plants was performed using scientific databases like Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, ChemSpider. “Cognitive deficits”, “age-related cognitive”, “Alzheimer disease” “flavonoids” and “phenolic compounds” utilized as keywords in the search in the databases. Published articles from 1992 to 2022 were collected and studied. Results: The finding indicated that flavonoids contained in edible plants can exert powerful effects on cognition and consequently can reverse the age-related deficit in learning and memory and retard the development of Alzheimer’s disorder due to their capacity to interact with the molecular architecture of the brain responsible of the memory. Mechanisms of actions were analyzed including the effect on neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, signaling pathways, Aβ peptides, and hippocampus among others. Conclusion: This manuscript can be used as scientific support for the development of alternative drugs, food supplements, and nutraceuticals, to prevent, maintain and enhance the neurophysiological status.