Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Properties of Ferulic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter deficits, and neurodegeneration, which finally leads to neuronal death. Emerging evidence highlighted that hyperglycemia and brain insulin resistance represent risk factors for AD development, thus suggesting the existence of an additional AD form, associated with glucose metabolism impairment, named type 3 diabetes. Owing to the limited pharmacological options, novel strategies, especially dietary approaches based on the consumption of polyphenols, have been addressed to prevent or, at least, slow down AD progression. Among polyphenols, ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, widely distributed in nature, especially in cereal bran and fruits, and known to be endowed with many bioactivities, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic, thus suggesting it could be exploited as a possible novel neuroprotective strategy. Considering the importance of ferulic acid as a bioactive molecule and its widespread distribution in foods and medicinal plants, the aim of the present narrative review is to provide an overview on the existing preclinical and clinical evidence about the neuroprotective properties and mechanisms of action of ferulic acid, also focusing on its ability to modulate glucose homeostasis, in order to support a further therapeutic interest for AD and type 3 diabetes.

• Authors: Silvia Di Giacomo, Ester Percaccio, Marco Gullì, Adele Romano, Annabella Vitalone, Gabriela Mazzanti, Silvana Gaetani, Antonella Di Sotto
• Journal: Nutrients (Nutrients) Vol. 14 Issue 18 (Sep 08 2022) ISSN: 2072-6643 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 36145084 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• Coumaric Acids
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Neuroprotective Agents
• ferulic acid
• Glucose

Topics

• Alzheimer Disease (drug therapy, metabolism, prevention & control)
• Antioxidants (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Coumaric Acids (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Diabetes Mellitus (drug therapy)
• Glucose (metabolism)
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Neuroprotective Agents (metabolism, pharmacology, therapeutic use)