Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, which entail cognitive, motor and behavioral dysfunctions. Despite substantial advances in understanding their pathophysiology, the current treatments mostly attenuates symptoms without halting the disease.

Bioactive compounds, substances derived from natural sources like plants, animals and microorganisms, have emerged as promising agents in managing neurodegenerative diseases due to their broad spectrum of neuroprotective effects and safety profile. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, anti-aggregation and anti-apoptotic properties, in addition to their ability to modulate several cellular signaling pathways involved in neurodegeneration, are widely recognized. Recently, importance has also been placed on the role of bioactive compounds in promoting neurogenesis and astrocytes reprogramming into neurons.

However, the clinical application of bioactive compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders faces several challenges, mainly due to issues with the blood-brain barrier permeability, bioavailability, stability and dosage standardization.

This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews and systematic reviews with the aim to enrich the knowledge of the role played by natural compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Topics of interest include the modulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, regulation of apoptosis and protein degradation systems, mechanism of action, neurogenesis, cell reprogramming, strategies improving clinical applicability of bioactive compounds and synergistic effects with conventional therapies. Manuscripts providing translational value are particularly welcomed.

Dr. Melania Ruggiero
Prof. Dr. Maria Antonietta Panaro
Guest Editors

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