Title:Protective Effects of the Caffeine Against Neurodegenerative Diseases
Volume: 26
Issue: 27
Author(s): Ester Tellone*, Antonio Galtieri, Annamaria Russo and Silvana Ficarra
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V. le Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina,Italy
Keywords:
Caffeine, Neurodegeneration, Adenosine receptors, Antioxidant activity, Neuroproective effects, Mitochondrial
biogenesis, ALS.
Abstract:
Background: Recent studies and increased interest of the scientific community helped to
clarify the neurological health property of caffeine, one of the pharmacologically active substances
most consumed in the world.
Methods: This article is a review search to provide an overview on the current state of understanding
neurobiochemical impact of caffeine, focusing on the ability of the drug to effectively counteract several
neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases, Multiple
sclerosis and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Results: Data collection shown in this review provide a significant therapeutic and prophylactic potentiality
of caffeine which acts on human brain through several pathways because of its antioxidant activity
combined with multiple molecular targets. However, the need to adjust the CF dosage to individuals,
because some people are more sensitive to drugs than others, may constituted a limit to the CF effectiveness.
Conclusion: What emerges from the complex of clinical and epidemiological studies is a significant CF
potential impact against all neurological disorders. Although, further studies are needed to fully elucidate
the several mechanisms of drug action which in part are still elusive.