Antioxidant effect of flavonoids in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

The investigation of the mechanisms that leads to neuronal apoptosis is under investigation all over the world. The enhancement of oxidative stress in brain neurons is one of the most important pathophysiological mechanism associated with neurodegeneration. The antioxidant effect of flavonoids can be one important mechanism for modulation of neuronal apoptosis in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In addition to their influence on the cerebral blood flow, flavonoids interact with signalization cascades that lead to the inhibition of neuronal death by oxidative stress apoptosis and thus promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Acting on the intracellular antioxidant mechanisms the fl avonoids can become a balance regulator for production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Addition of antioxidant effect of flavonoids to dietary components can constitute an adjuvant therapy for delaying the neurodegenerative processes. The aim of this paper was to review the antioxidant effects of flavonoids in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.