Plants' Impact on the Human Brain-Exploring the Neuroprotective and Neurotoxic Potential of Plants

Overview

Journal Pharmaceuticals (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2024 Oct 26

PMID 39458980

Authors

Georgiana Moise

Alex-Robert Jijie

Elena-Alina Moaca

Iasmina-Alexandra Predescu

Cristina Adriana Dehelean

Alina Heghes

Daliborca Cristina Vlad

Roxana Popescu

Cristian Sebastian Vlad

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Plants have long been recognized for their potential to influence neurological health, with both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. This review explores the dual nature of plant-derived compounds and their impact on the human brain.

Discussion: Numerous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of various phytoconstituents, such as those found in , , , , and . The neuroprotective compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties, making them promising candidates for combating neurodegenerative diseases and improving brain function. Polyphenolic compounds, triterpenic acids, and specific phytocompounds like the ones from EGb 761 extract have shown interactions with key enzymes and receptors in the brain, leading to neuroprotective outcomes. However, this review also acknowledges the neurotoxic potential of certain plants, such as the species, which contains steroidal alkaloids that can cause DNA damage and disrupt neurological function, or , which interfere with the normal functioning of the cholinergic system in the body, leading to a range of symptoms associated with anticholinergic toxicity.

Conslusions: This review also emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of plant-derived compounds, as well as to identify novel phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential. Understanding the complex relationship between plants and the human brain is crucial for harnessing the benefits of neuroprotective compounds while mitigating the risks associated with neurotoxic substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on the neurological properties of plants and highlights the importance of continued research in this field for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain health and neurological disorders.

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