Potential Role of Phytochemicals in Attenuating Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Modern pharmacotherapy encourages the use of phytochemicals to combat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This review aims to summarize the clinical findings and recent advances in the use of flavonoids, alkaloids, galantamine, and Ginkgo biloba against AD. Quercetin contains flavonoids that inhibit BACE-1 enzyme activity, which is responsible for the formation of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide. Quercetin also increases AMPK activity. Alkaloids inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Moreover, Ginkgo biloba produces antioxidant effects by scavenging free peroxyl radicals. Phenylethanoid glycosides exert neuroprotective properties by improving neuronal apoptosis impairment. All these claims have been supported through in vivo and in vitro studies. Our review of the literature shows that phytochemicals possess enormous potential for the treatment of AD. They possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and specific neuroprotective properties, which make them ideal for the treatment of AD. Furthermore, the delivery of these agents can be achieved through nanocomposites to ensure they cross the blood-brain barrier and produce a therapeutic response.