In a recent study published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition , researchers summarized the potential therapeutic implications of phytochemicals on the gut-brain axis (GBA). The enteric and central (CNS) nervous systems communicate through the GBA, which involves neurological, immunological, and hormonal mechanisms. Recent reports suggest that changes in the gut microbiota and microbial metabolite synthesis are associated with neurological disorders, such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Phytochemicals exert regulatory effects on the GBA and can interact with the immune system, neurotransmitter systems, and gut microbiota, influencing brain function. A growing body of evidence suggests that phytochemicals could be a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological conditions. The present study discussed phytochemicals' potential therapeutic implications and limitations on the GBA in neurological disorders.
Study: Modulatory effects of phytochemicals on gut-brain axis: therapeutic implication . Dietary polyphenols, such as curcumin, coumarins, cinnamic acid, lignans, and flavonoids, modulate the gut microbiota and exhibit improved blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. While the efficacy of polyphenols as antioxidants has been unclear due to conflicting evidence on their bioavailability, recent studies suggest they can still exert effects through gut microbiota-induced chemical modifications.
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