Flavonoids and Brain Health: Chemical insights into Neurotherapeutic Benefits

Abstract

Neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, poses significant health challenges due to their complex pathophysiology and unattainable curative treatments. Flavonoids, a diverse class of polyphenolic compounds, exhibit rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, modulate critical downstream effectors including ERK, PI3-kinase/Akt, and inhibit enzymes linked to amyloid plaque formation leading to mitigating neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress. Due to their ability to penetrate blood-brain barrier, enhances their relevance in pointing neuroinflammation, cerebral ischemia, and even glioblastoma, as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies. Specific flavonoids, including Genistein, quercetin and hesperidin have displayed beneficial effects in cognitive tests and pathological hallmarks in neurodegenerative diseases models. However, challenges of suboptimal bioavailability and metabolic instability limit their daily application. Emerging approaches, particularly nanotechnology-based delivery systems, offer innovative solutions to improve its systemically bioavailable. Although dietary flavonoids are generally safe to intake, excessive intake via supplements may pose risks, underscoring the need for rigorous safety evaluations. This comprehensive analysis addressing the dual role of flavonoids in neuroprotection and disease intervention, and encourages further studies to optimize their bioavailability and long-term safety in diverse populations. This review is Bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological insights, flavonoids represent a convincing avenue for the development of novel neurotherapeutics in an era demanding safer, natural alternatives.