Neuroprotective Effects of Ellagitannins: A Brief Review.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly inevitable as the population gets older, with enormous socio-economic costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will overtake cancer to become the second leading cause of death, after cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: Herein, this review outlines the neuroprotective effects and clinical implications of ellagitannins, a class of hydrolysable tannins, for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

RESULTS: Recent investigations suggest that the combination of genes and environmental toxins may contribute to the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, intervention strategies aimed at reducing exposure to risk factors such as life style, smoking, diet, vitamin deficiencies, chemical exposure and pollution are warranted. Modulation of dietary components including ellagitannins, as a therapeutic strategy to slow down or attenuate the progression of neuronal degeneration has become a focus of interest in the last few decades.

CONCLUSION: Polyphenolic plant phytochemicals and ellagitannins in particular, contain an array of neuroprotective properties useful to improve human health and protect against neurodegeneration.