The Role of Dietary Phytochemicals in Brain Health

Dear Colleagues, 

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are associated with increasing morbidity rates. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary phytochemicals may exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system by protecting neurons against stress-induced injury, by suppressing neuroinflammation and by improving cognitive function. Indeed, certain foods that are particularly rich in phytochemicals are thought to strongly influence the structure and function of the brain; such foods are commonly referred to as “brain foods”. These phytochemicals can exert their action by crossing the blood–brain barrier or influencing the brain–gut–microbiome axis. In this regard, the identification of neuroprotective phytochemicals, their multiple targets and their underlying mechanisms of action has become a promising therapeutic strategy to complement pharmacological interventions for promoting brain health.

This Special Issue is a unique opportunity to gather updated state-of-the-art research works that provide scientific evidence supporting the neuroprotective activity of phytochemicals from food or other natural sources. We invite you to submit original research articles, review articles or clinical trials targeting the role of dietary phytochemicals in various aspects related to brain health, including but not limited to neurodegenerative disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, brain cancer and cognitive health.

Prof. Dr. Alejandro Cifuentes
Dr. Gerardo Alvarez-Rivera
Guest Editors

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