Title:Neuroprotective Effects of Ellagic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Potential
Volume: 27
Issue: 34
Author(s): Nimra Javaid, Muhammad A. Shah*, Azhar Rasul, Zunera Chauhdary, Uzma Saleem, Haroon Khan, Nazir Ahmed, Md. Sahab Uddin, Bijo Mathew, Tapan Behl and Renald Blundell
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad,Pakistan
Keywords:
Ellagic acid, Alzheimer's disease, antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegeneration, cell
signaling.
Abstract: Neurodegeneration is a multifactorial process involved the different cytotoxic pathways that lead to
neuronal cell death. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a persistent neurodegenerative disorder that normally has a
steady onset and gradually worsens. Neuropathology, AD is characterized by the presence of neuroinflammation,
mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant defense as well as increased
acetylcholinesterase activity. Moreover, enhanced expression of amyloid precursor proteins leads to neural
apoptosis, which has a vital role in the degeneration of neurons. The inability of commercial therapeutics to
treat a single feature of AD pathology leads to the attraction towards organic drugs. Ellagic acid is a dimer of
gallic acid; latest studies revealed that ellagic acid can initiate numerous cell signaling transmissions and decrease
the progression of neurodegeneration. The neuroprotective effects of ellagic acid to protect the neurons
against neurodegenerative events are due to its antioxidant effect, iron chelating, and mitochondrial protective
effect. The main goal of this review is to critically analyze the molecular mechanism of action of ellagic acid
against AD.
