Revolutionizing neurodegenerative disease management through phytochemical-based neuroprotection

Title : Revolutionizing neurodegenerative disease management through phytochemical-based neuroprotection

Abstract:

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other age-associated cognitive disorders, represent one of the greatest global health challenges due to increasing life expectancy and the absence of curative therapies. Progressive neuronal loss, oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, excitotoxicity, impaired autophagy, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction collectively contribute to disease onset and progression. Current pharmacological interventions are primarily symptomatic and offer limited efficacy in preventing neuronal degeneration or restoring cognitive function, highlighting the urgent need for safe, multitarget therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals, a diverse group of bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants and functional foods, have emerged as promising neuroprotective agents capable of simultaneously modulating multiple pathogenic pathways involved in neurodegeneration. Polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and organosulfur compounds exert potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and mitochondrial protective effects while regulating cellular signaling networks such as Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, AMPK, SIRT1, and BDNF/CREB. Furthermore, many phytochemicals attenuate amyloid-β aggregation, inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation, reduce α-synuclein toxicity, enhance autophagic clearance of misfolded proteins, improve synaptic plasticity, and preserve neuronal integrity. Emerging evidence also suggests that phytochemicals influence the gut–brain axis, modulate neuroimmune responses, and improve metabolic homeostasis, thereby providing broader protection against age-related cognitive decline. Recent advances in phytotechnology, including nan formulations, phytosome-based delivery systems, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles, have significantly improved the bioavailability, stability, and blood–brain barrier penetration of phytochemicals, facilitating their translational potential. Integrating phytochemicals with precision nutrition, nutraceuticals, and personalized medicine offers new opportunities for preventive and adjunctive management of neurodegenerative diseases. This presentation highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying phytochemical-mediated neuroprotection, summarizes current preclinical and clinical evidence, discusses innovative delivery strategies, and explores future directions for translating plant-derived bioactives into effective interventions for healthy brain aging. Harnessing the multitarget therapeutic potential of phytochemicals may revolutionize brain health by promoting resilience against neurodegeneration, delaying cognitive decline, and improving quality of life in aging populations.
Keywords: Phytochemicals; Neuroprotection; Neurodegeneration; Brain Aging; Dementia; Alzheimer's Disease; Parkinson's Disease; Mitochondrial Dysfunction; Gut–Brain Axis

Biography:

Dr. Anita Handore-Salunke is the visionary Founder and Director of PhytoElixir Pvt. Ltd., an innovation based Phyto- Biotech start up, Nashik, MS, India. A highly accomplished bio scientist and entrepreneur. She holds Ph.D. in Microbiology and M.Phil. in Environmental Science and recognized with her remarkable achievements including two process patents granted in Microbiology and Phyto-Biotechnology sector. Her next patents are filed in the fields of Agriculture-Biotechnology, Food Technology and Healthcare, Phyto-nutraceuticals. Her work exemplifies the harmonious integration of science, innovation, and societal benefit. With over two decades of expertise in innovative research and development, she has excelled in translating laboratory research into value driven technologies, significantly impacting sectors including Phyto-Biotechnology, Microbiology, Phyto-Nutraceuticals, Phytocosmeceutical, Functional Foods and Beverages, Education, Agriculture and Environment, Healthcare, etc. At Global platform, she has been honored as distinguished speaker for delivering scientific talks at prestigious International conferences and symposia. She is working as Editorial board member and prolific author, contributing extensively to International research journals and books of global repute. Over 115 research publications, presentations and, talks with reputed International and National Research Journals & platforms along with numerous book chapters and books published with world leading publishers are to her credit. Sequences database of several novel and rare endophytes discovered by her submitted to NCBI GenBank is creditable. Dr. Anita has commendably and successfully shouldered managerial and administrative responsibilities and effectively serving as Program Advisory Committee member for research foundations and prestigious National universities. As a research guide, she has been effectively guiding and mentoring M.Sc. and PhD students of recognized Indian Universities. Her social and scientific endeavours extend beyond the research. She actively participates in community-driven initiatives, leveraging her knowledge and expertise to raise awareness and uplift society. To date, this versatile personality has been honored and appreciated with over 21 awards from State, National, and International forums in recognition of her noteworthy research contributions to diverse sectors including Social Welfare. Driven by her profound vision, Dr. Anita has started journey as an entrepreneur with the purpose to serve hidden treasure of nature & bring resilience by revitalizing living beings, through her scientific and innovative power for addressing some global challenges & create value for society at large.