Neurodegenerative diseases are growing inexorably as the population ages, with enormous economic and social costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will overtake cancer to become the second leading cause of natural death, after cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations suggest that the combination of genes and environmental toxins may contribute to the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, intervention strategies aimed at reducing exposure to risk factors such as life style, smoking, diet, vitamin deficiencies, chemical exposure and pollution are warranted. Modulation of dietary components as a therapeutic strategy to slow down or attenuate the progression of neuronal degeneration has become a focus of interest in the last few decades. Polyphenolic plant phytochemicals contain an array of properties useful to improve human health and protect against neurodegeneration. Herein, this review outlines the neuroprotective effect and clinical implications of ellagitannins, a class of hydrolysable tannins, for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Neuroprotective effects of Ellagitannins: A brief review
DAGLIA, MARIA;
2017-01-01
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are growing inexorably as the population ages, with enormous economic and social costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will overtake cancer to become the second leading cause of natural death, after cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations suggest that the combination of genes and environmental toxins may contribute to the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, intervention strategies aimed at reducing exposure to risk factors such as life style, smoking, diet, vitamin deficiencies, chemical exposure and pollution are warranted. Modulation of dietary components as a therapeutic strategy to slow down or attenuate the progression of neuronal degeneration has become a focus of interest in the last few decades. Polyphenolic plant phytochemicals contain an array of properties useful to improve human health and protect against neurodegeneration. Herein, this review outlines the neuroprotective effect and clinical implications of ellagitannins, a class of hydrolysable tannins, for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
