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Gong G, Ganesan K, Wan Y, Liu Y, Huang Y, Luo Y, Wang X, Zhang Z, Zheng Y. Unveiling the neuroprotective properties of isoflavones: current evidence, molecular mechanisms and future perspectives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-37. [PMID: 38794836 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2357701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a wide range of debilitating and incurable brain disorders characterized by the progressive deterioration of the nervous system's structure and function. Isoflavones, which are naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemicals, have been found to regulate various cellular signaling pathways associated with the nervous system. The main objective of this comprehensive review is to explore the neuroprotective effects of isoflavones, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and assess their potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Relevant data regarding isoflavones and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases were gathered from multiple library databases and electronic sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Numerous isoflavones, including genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin, have exhibited potent neuroprotective properties against various neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have been found to modulate neurotransmitters, which in turn contributes to their ability to protect against neurodegeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have provided evidence of their neuroprotection mechanisms, which involve interactions with estrogenic receptors, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-apoptotic activity, and modulation of neural plasticity. This review aims to provide current insights into the neuroprotective characteristics of isoflavones and shed light on their potential therapeutic applications in future clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yukai Wan
- Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Xuexu Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Zhenxia Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yuzhong Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
- Guangdong East Drug and Food and Health Branch, Chaozhou, China
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Polyphenolic Contents, Free Radical Scavenging and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Dalbergiella welwitschii Leaf Extracts. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11152066. [PMID: 35956544 PMCID: PMC9370258 DOI: 10.3390/plants11152066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A decoction of Dalbergiella welwitschii leaves has been used ethnomedicinally for the treatment of mental illness and inflammatory diseases amongst other diseases. In this study, the leaf methanol extract of D. welwitschii and its partition fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous, were tested and evaluated for their polyphenolic contents, free radical scavenging and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) and proanthocyanidin (TPA) contents were determined using standard colorimetric methods. The anti-radical activity of the extracts against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion and nitric oxide (NO) radicals as well as their effects on lipid peroxidation were monitored spectrophotometrically. The cholinesterase enzyme (AChE and BuChE) inhibitions by the extracts were determined by a modified method of Ellman. The result showed a concentration-dependent increase in inhibition of the free radicals and the cholinesterase enzymes, except for that of lipid peroxidation. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction exhibited the highest polyphenolic contents among the fractions, with a TPC of 1.08 mgGAE/g, TFC of 0.38 mgQuE/g and TPA of 0.21 mgGAE/g. It also demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging activities with 72.63% and 65.43% inhibitions of DPPH and NO, respectively. The EtOAc fraction inhibited AChE and BuChE enzymes with IC50 values of 0.94 and 8.49 mg/mL, respectively. Our findings show that the plant may have polyphenol contents, in particular in the methanol extract and EtOAc fraction. These extracts showed considerable free radical scavenging and cholinesterase inhibitory properties. Thus, the observed bioactivities may serve as a justification for its folkloric use as a remedy for mental illness. The study also provides relevant information that could help in the search for lead cholinesterase inhibitors from medicinal plants that can be exploited against neurodegenerative disorders.
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