Abstract
Background: Neurodegenerative and mood disorders represent growing medical and social problems, many of which are provoked by oxidative stress, disruption in the metabolism of various neurotransmitters, and disturbances in calcium homeostasis. Biologically active plant compounds have been shown to exert a positive impact on the function of calcium in the central nervous system. Methods: The present paper reviews studies of naturally occurring terpenes and derivatives and the calcium-based aspects of their mechanisms of action, as these are known to act upon a number of targets linked to neurological prophylaxis and therapy. Results: Most of the studied phytochemicals possess anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, and these have been used to reduce the risk of or treat neurological diseases. Conclusion: The neuroprotective actions of some phytochemicals may employ mechanisms based on regulation of calcium homeostasis and should be considered as therapeutic agents.
Highlights
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants which, despite not being essential for the normal functioning of humans, have been found to exert several positive effects in animal cells; they offer various health benefits and reduce the risk of various diseases when included in the diet
The terpenes, and their terpenoid derivatives, comprise a terpenoids, group of organic compounds synthesized divided into several classes according to the numbers of units, some examples being associated with the nervous system, and several such those derived from
The results indicated that astaxanthin inhibits glutamate release from rat cortical synaptosomes through the suppression of presynaptic voltage-dependent calcium entry and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade [41]
Summary
The present paper reviews studies of naturally occurring terpenes and derivatives and the calcium-based aspects of their mechanisms of action, as these are known to act upon a number of targets linked to neurological prophylaxis and therapy. Results: Most of the studied phytochemicals possess anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, and these have been used to reduce the risk of or treat neurological diseases. Conclusion: The neuroprotective actions of some phytochemicals may employ mechanisms based on regulation of calcium homeostasis and should be considered as therapeutic agents
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