Abstract
Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are characterized by the structural and functional abnormalities of neurons in certain regions of the brain. These abnormalities, which can result in progressive neuronal degeneration and functional disability, are incurable to date. Although comprehensive efforts have been made to figure out effective therapies against these diseases, partial success has been achieved and complete functional recovery is still not a reality. At present, plants and plant-derived compounds are getting more attention because of a plethora of pharmacological properties, and they are proving to be a better and safer target as therapeutic interventions. This review aims to highlight the roles of tannins, ‘the polyphenol phytochemicals’, in tackling neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as well as neuropsychiatric disorders like depression. Among the multifarious pharmacological properties of tannins, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase activities are emphasized more in terms of neuroprotection. The current review also throws light on mechanistic pathways by which various classes of tannins execute neuroprotective effects. Despite their beneficial properties, some harmful effects of tannins have also been elaborated.
Highlights
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring bio-active compounds which are produced by plants.They are involved in modulating metabolic pathways and are significant for conferring various health-promoting effects and for being effective against several diseases including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders [1,2]
They promote general well-being owing to their health-promoting effects on the living system but at the same time, they inhibit innumerable underlying pathological mechanisms involved in the progression of various diseases
Recent scientific literature supports the conclusions that neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by oxidative stress, inflammation, aberrant protein accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunctions
Summary
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring bio-active compounds which are produced by plants They are involved in modulating metabolic pathways and are significant for conferring various health-promoting effects and for being effective against several diseases including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders [1,2]. They exhibit various pharmacological properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-bacterial behaviors, and many others [3,4]. Tannins have attracted the attention of the scientific community for their beneficial effects owing to their anti-oxidative capacity This is a highly valuable property as it can reduce oxidative damage that is a major hallmark of almost every disease
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