Recent Advancement in the Use of Medicinal Plants in Brain Aging

Humans now have a wide range of treatment options, thanks to plant-derived phytochemicals. In the twenty-first century, cognitive dysfunction is a significant health concern, and many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinsonism, schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cerebrovascular impairment, and seizure disorders, can be severely functionally disabling. Over time, several neurotransmitters and signaling molecules have been discovered that have been thought of as potential therapeutic targets. The action of the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors is influenced by phytochemicals from medicinal plants, which are essential for maintaining the chemical balance of the brain. The beneficial effects of dietary phytochemicals on general health and longevity are well documented. Dietary phytochemicals are a substantial array of nonnutritive substances generated from numerous plant-derived foods and chemical subgroups. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the last 10 years in understanding the key risk factors for brain aging, chronic, low-grade inflammation, and oxidative and nitrosative stress (OS & NS). Increasing evidence indicates that phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices may have anti-O&NS and/or immunoregulatory effects that are relevant to the aging brain. Despite the translational gap between basic and clinical research, the current knowledge of the molecular interactions between phytochemicals and immune-inflammatory and O&NS (IO&NS) pathways may aid in the development of successful dietary interventions to slow down brain aging and enhance cognitive function.