Nutraceutical interventions for neuroprotection: a comprehensive review

Dec 17, 2025Biochemical pharmacology

Nutritional supplements for protecting the brain: a detailed overview

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Gut-Brain Axis on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Abstract

Nutraceuticals may influence brain function by altering gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.

Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds derived from food that could provide neuroprotection.
They offer a multi-targeted approach by affecting the gut-brain axis, which connects gut health to brain function.
Key nutraceuticals, including probiotics, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids, may change microbiota composition and enhance gut barrier integrity.
These compounds are associated with modulation of neurotransmitter activity and immune responses in the body.
Nutraceuticals could help address pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Challenges such as formulation standardization and long-term safety need to be addressed before their widespread use.

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Nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from food sources, are emerging as promising agents for neuroprotection, particularly through their modulation of gut health. Unlike conventional single-molecule therapeutics that often target isolated pathways, nutraceuticals offer a multi-targeted approach by influencing the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network linking the gut microbiota and the central nervous system. Key nutraceuticals such as probiotics, prebiotics, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins have been shown to beneficially alter microbiota composition, reduce intestinal inflammation, and strengthen gut barrier integrity. These changes can significantly influence brain function by modulating neurotransmitter activity and systemic immune responses. This review compares the holistic action of nutraceuticals with the more focused effects of single-molecules, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's Disease and Motor Neuron Diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It discusses how nutraceuticals may mitigate key pathological features of these conditions-including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, through gut-mediated pathways. Despite their potential, challenges remain regarding the standardization of formulations, bioavailability, dosage optimization, and long-term safety. Further clinical research is needed to validate the efficacy of nutraceuticals as complementary or alternative strategies to traditional neuroprotective agents.

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Nutraceutical interventions for neuroprotection: a comprehensive review

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