Title:Phytochemicals in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Volume: 18
Issue: 13
Author(s): Grazia D'Onofrio*, Daniele Sancarlo, Qingwei Ruan, Zhuowei Yu, Francesco Panza, Antonio Daniele, Antonio Greco and Davide Seripa
Affiliation:
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia,Italy
Keywords:
Phytochemicals, Alzheimer's disease, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory activities, acetilcholinesterase inhibitors,
AChEIs.
Abstract: Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread age-related neurodegenerative
disease. Recently, a growing body of evidence suggested the phytochemical use to slow down AD
onset and progression.
Objective: To review the phytochemical role potentially involved in AD treatment.
Method: A systematic review from existing literature on phytochemicals used in the treatment of AD
patients was conducted. Selection criteria included: 1) age≥60 years; 2) AD diagnosis in agreement
with the criteria of National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIAAA), and 3) suitable
measures to asses cognitive, functional and clinical status.
Results: Ninety-seven articles were involved in the present study. Several phytochemicals seem to
slow down AD onset, delay disease progression and let recovery through targeting multiple pathological
causes by anti-cholinergic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features.
Conclusion: Deeper knowledge on phytochemicals and their specific molecular targets is essential to
guarantee safe use of these compounds as an option for AD treatment.
