Natural Products and Exercise Synergy: Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms to Enhance Brain Function in Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as other memory disorders significantly impair cognitive and behavioral functions, posing a growing global health burden. Research increasingly supports the synergistic effects of natural products-bioactive compounds derived from plant-based diets-and regular physical exercise in promoting brain health. Natural products exhibit neuroprotective effects by modulating oxidative stress, reducing neuroinflammation, and enhancing synaptic plasticity, while exercise complements these benefits by improving neurogenesis, cerebral blood flow, and mitochondrial function. This review synthesizes current findings on the signaling mechanisms underlying the combined impact of natural products and physical exercise on brain function. We focus on their influence on key pathways, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, amyloid-beta clearance, and the regulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Evidence recommends that the integration of these interventions can attenuate cognitive decline, support behavioral resilience, and delay disease progression in AD and other memory disorders. We also highlight the translational challenges of implementing these strategies in clinical settings, including individual variability in response and adherence. Future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the potential of combining dietary and exercise-based interventions. This review aims to advance the understanding of how lifestyle interventions can enhance behavioral and brain functions in the situation of neurodegenerative disorders.