Neuroprotective Effect of Flavonoids: A Systematic Review

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are underpinned by neuronal damage corollary to the cascade of events pitched in by neuron inflammatory processes. Increase in cases of neurodegenerative diseases and ageing population indicates the need for developing new strategies to prevent or treat brain dysfunction and associated cognitive decline. Flavonoids have been documented for various health promoting effects. They exert multiple neuroprotective actions within the brain, such as protection of neurons from neurotoxins, suppression of neuron-inflammation and thus improve memory, learning and cognitive function. Two processes appear to be the basis of these effects. Firstly, they promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity by inhibition of apopotosis triggered by neurotoxic species due to interaction with critical protein and lipid kinase signaling cascades. Secondly they induce beneficial effects on the vascular system leading to changes in cerebrovascular blood flow capable of causing angiogenesis, neurogenesis and neuronal morphology. Limiting neurodegeneration and prevention or reversal of age-dependent loss in cognitive performance is possible by consumption of flavonoids-rich food throughout life. Thus flavonoids are strong candidates of being an important precursor molecule in the development of new generation of brain enhancing drugs. The present review accentuates current information on neuroprotective effects of flavonoids