Abstract
The steady advance of medical science, as well as a greater interest of the population for health and wellbeing related aspects, are leading to a considerable increase in life expectancy. The population aging is associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disabilities such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. These disorders are caused by brain aging, which is mainly related with oxidative stress and inflammation. These age-related neurodegenerative disorders cause a decrease in the quality of life among the aging population and simultaneously a socioeconomic burden imposed by this population segment. Currently, the pharmacological therapies available are only symptomatic and none of them can prevent, stop or reverse these neurological diseases progression. Therefore, there is a significant and growing interest in developing novel and alternative therapeutic strategies to prevent these age-related disorders. In this regard, several epidemiological studies have revealed that the consumption of polyphenolrich fruits and vegetables can have a beneficial role in the prevention of such diseases. Among these compounds, anthocyanins are potent antioxidants and several works have demonstrated their protective effects against the oxidative stress, inflammatory response and neurological damages. A number of studies have suggested that the use of functional ingredients, namely antioxidants, may exert therapeutic protection against brain aging and delay neurological decline. This chapter is focused on the beneficial effects of the consumption of food rich in anthocyanins as an alternative therapy to forestall age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aspects such as the role of anthocyanins in the prevention of oxidative stress and neuroinflamation response as well as their neuroprotective properties in neurodegenerative diseases, are discussed in this chapter. Moreover, a key aspect is also addressed, such as the brain bioavailability of anthocyanins and the strategies to enhance it.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Anthocyanins |
| Subtitle of host publication | antioxidant properties, sources and health benefits |
| Editors | José Manuel Lorenzo Rodriguez, Francisco J. Barba, Paulo Munekata |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Chapter | 12 |
| Pages | 315-349 |
| Number of pages | 35 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781536178173 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781536178166 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2020 |
Keywords
- Anthocyanins
- Nutritional intervention
- Oxidative stress
- Neuroinflammation
- Neuroprotection
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Bioavailability
