Title:Phytochemical Compounds Loaded to Nanocarriers as Potential Therapeutic
Substances for Alzheimer’s Disease-Could They be Effective?
Volume: 28
Issue: 30
Author(s): Derya Çiçek Polat, Ayşe Esra Karadağ, Rabia Edibe Parlar Köprülü, Ioannis D. Karantas, Gökçe Mutlu, Emre Şefik Çağlar, Mehmet Evren Okur, Neslihan Üstündağ Okur*Panoraia I. Siafaka*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy,
University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- KES College, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, phytochemicals, carriers, nanotechnology, adjunct therapy, biological activities.
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease accounts for a high percentage of dementia cases in elderly individuals. This
type of brain disease is caused by damage to the brain cells affecting the ability of the patients to communicate,
as well as their thinking, behavior, and feelings. Although numerous research laboratories focus on advancements
in treating Alzheimer’s disease, the currently approved pharmacological approaches seem to only alleviate
the symptoms. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative pharmacological options that can prevent
the progressive impairment of neurons. Natural substances were used in ancient times to treat various disorders
given their biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Besides,
their cost-effectiveness and accessibility to anyone who needs them are their most significant characteristics.
Therefore, the possible use of phytochemical compounds for the possible management or even prevention
of Alzheimer’s disease is currently under investigation. This review article summarizes the present status of
Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and underlying mechanisms, the potential phytochemicals and their carriers,
along with future perspectives. In the future, natural substances can play a role as an adjunct therapy for neurodegenerative
forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.