IMR Press / JIN / Volume 22 / Issue 5 / DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2205113
Open Access Review
Neuroprotective Potential of Punicalagin, a Natural Component of Pomegranate Polyphenols: A Review
Show Less
1 Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, Hubei, China
2 Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, 430033 Wuhan, Hubei, China
*Correspondence: benhongzh@whu.edu.cn (Benhong Zhou)
These authors contributed equally.
J. Integr. Neurosci. 2023, 22(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2205113
Submitted: 7 April 2023 | Revised: 11 May 2023 | Accepted: 16 May 2023 | Published: 9 August 2023
Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.
This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), are major health problems worldwide. To date, available remedies against NDs are limited. In fact, current treatment options include drug intervention and nutritional therapy, which mainly focus on the repair of neuronal damage and functional monitoring. However, these treatments do not completely alleviate disease symptoms. Recently, eliminating harmful molecules, such as reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting neuroinflammation have become potential strategies recommended by many researchers. Accordingly, remarkable interest has been generated in recent years regarding natural products, including polyphenols, that provide neuroprotective effects. In this review, we aimed to provide experimental evidence of the therapeutic potential of punicalagin (PUN), a prevailing compound in pomegranate polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Overall, the chemistry, methods of determination, characteristics of metabolism, transformation mechanisms of action, and neuroprotective effects of PUN on NDs are summarised to provide a scientific basis for elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms and targets of NDs.

Keywords
punicalagin
neurodegenerative disorders
therapy
evidence
Funding
31770381/National Natural Science Foundation of China
WDCM2022006/Open Project of Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research (Hubei University of Medicine)
Figures
Fig. 1.
Share
Back to top