Chapter 13 - Nutraceutical approach to age-related diseases—The clinical evidence on cognitive decline

Abstract

In recent decades, preclinical research into natural products has focused on the identification of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites produced by plants, often traditionally used as medicinal remedies. Beyond vitamins and minerals, plants contain other secondary metabolites recently defined as “nutraceuticals,” which are at the center of important scientific studies. The term nutraceutical is a portmanteau word, a combination of “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” and refers to “naturally derived bioactive compounds that are found in foods, dietary supplements, and herbal products and have health-promoting, disease-preventing, and/or medicinal properties.” Several nutraceuticals exhibit antiaging features by acting on the inflammatory status and on the prevention of oxidative reaction. This results in a significant reduction of all risk factors for age-related diseases, enhancing the attainment of healthy aging. In this context, the chapter will summarize the available clinical evidence supporting the use of selected botanicals and phytochemicals with confirmed activity on the human central nervous system and demonstrated effects in modulating cognitive decline as an example of age-related disease. In particular, the chapter will focus on data supporting the potential usefulness of Ginkgo biloba, Vitis vinifera, Camellia sinensis, Theobroma cacao, Bacopa monnieri, Crocus sativus, and Curcuma longa.