Neurodegenerative Diseases and Phytochemicals

Neurodegeneration is defined as the progressive loss of neurons, either structurally or functionally. Alzheimer’s (AD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s (HD), and Parkinson’s (PD) are the most important neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic factors, amyloid plaque formation, neurofibrillary tangles, mitochondrial dysfunction, and trauma are all factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, it has been suggested that neurodegenerative diseases are most likely associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Various studies have shown that phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, oil seeds, and whole grains have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of action. Phytochemicals may exert neuroprotective effects through these mechanisms, thus contributing to slowing the progression of diseases. In this review, the effects of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on neurodegenerative diseases were investigated.