Title:Role of Flavonoids in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Limitations and Future Perspectives
Volume: 20
Issue: 13
Author(s): Gagandeep Maan, Biplab Sikdar, Ashish Kumar, Rahul Shukla and Awanish Mishra*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli (NIPER-R), Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow-226002, U.P.,India
Keywords:
Flavonoids, Neuroprotection, Neurodegenerative diseases, Bioavailability, New drug delivery systems, Nanoformulations.
Abstract:
Background: Flavonoids, a group of natural dietary polyphenols, are known for their beneficial
effects on human health. By virtue of their various pharmacological effects, like anti-oxidative, antiinflammatory,
anti-carcinogenic and neuroprotective effects, flavonoids have now become an important
component of herbal supplements, pharmaceuticals, medicinals and cosmetics. There has been enormous
literature supporting neuroprotective effect of flavonoids. Recently their efficacy in various neurodegenerative
diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson diseases, has received particular attention.
Objective: The mechanism of flavanoids neuroprotection might include antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antineuroinflammatory
and modulation of various cellular and intracellular targets. In in-vivo systems, before
reaching to brain, they have to cross barriers like extensive first pass metabolism, intestinal barrier
and ultimately blood brain barrier. Different flavonoids have varied pharmacokinetic characteristics,
which affect their pharmacodynamic profile. Therefore, brain accessibility of flavonoids is still debatable.
Methods: This review emphasized on current trends of research and development on flavonoids, especially
in neurodegenerative diseases, possible challenges and strategies to encounter using novel drug
delivery system.
Results: Various flavonoids have elicited their therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases,
however by using nanotechnology and novel drug delivery systems, the bioavailability of favonoids
could be enhanced.
Conclusion: This study bridges a significant opinion on medicinal chemistry, ethanopharmacology and
new drug delivery research regarding use of flavonoids in management of neurodegeneration.