Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are a growing problem across the world’s aging population. Oxidative stress in the brain plays a central role in a common pathophysiology of these diseases. This book presents scientific research on the potential of antioxidant therapy in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This book outlines the roles of oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus in neurodegeneration, describes the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders including the roles of environmental pollutants and inflammatory responses, and explores mitochondrial dysfunction. It then describes the protective abilities of antioxidants – including vitamin D, tocotrienol and coenzyme Q10 – against neurodegeneration. The book demonstrates the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets, and highlights the roles of medicinal plants, phytopharmaceuticals, traditional medicines and food nutrients in neuroprotection. Key Features: Explains damage caused by numerous neurodegenerative disorders and the possible protection offered by antioxidants and functional foods. Describes molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration by oxidative stress, advancing age, diabetes and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Demonstrates protection offered by nutraceuticals, antioxidants, botanical extracts and functional foods. The book contains twenty-three chapters divided into six sections written by leading researchers. This book is essential reading for health professionals, dietitians, food and nutrition scientists and anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.

This book provides a comprehensive summary of the latest knowledge regarding functional foods and new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders through explaining specific mechanisms for natural remedies and functional foods as well as alternative treatment and supplementary approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Many relevant topics are covered, including role of prebiotics, recent applications for dietary polyphenols, marine bioactive compounds for neuro disorders, and age-related disorders. The roles of various remedies and functional foods are explained for various types of diseases, and the book also integrates the role of functional foods and remedies to work with the current therapeutics that are taking place. In parallel, the information presented through this book will also stimulate current status of leading contemporary methods for prohylactic and diagnostic practices, comprising nanoparticles, biomarkers, in silico techniques, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing–based therapy. The book will be essential reading for students and researchers with an interest in natural medicine, drug development, and food therapeutic strategies. In presenting new results and approaches and identifying areas for future research, it will also be of benefit for specialists in the field.

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are considered causative factors in various neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Antioxidants are chemicals that bind with oxidative species and nullify their effect from causing damage to biological molecules. Endogenous antioxidants are produced by our body, however most of them are obtained from external sources, primarily through diet, called dietary antioxidants. Major sources of antioxidants are brightly colored fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and herbs. Other very effective sources are berries, green tea, and dark chocolate. These compounds have the potential to hinder neurodegeneration, reduce neuronal death and improve memory as well as cognitive functions. Based on the complex nature of antioxidants and oxidative stress, particular antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C or β-carotene are beneficial in protecting cells, organs and tissues against oxidative damage. The Role of Natural Antioxidants in Brain Disorders describes various neuroprotective effects and their physiological phenomenon mediated by antioxidants to maintain and regulate the general health biomarkers against brain disorders. The important role of antioxidants, diet and lifestyle in managing brain disorders is covered, as is their use in conjunction with conventional therapies against oxidative stress. Both exogenous and endogenous antioxidants are explored in full. By focusing on the role of oxidative stress as a triggering mechanism for various brain disorders and the use of antioxidant foods in conjunction with traditional therapies in combating and preventing them, this is a valuable source for researchers in food science, nutrition, health science and physiology.

Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Degenerative Disease Prevention is a compilation of different segments of functional foods and nutraceuticals focusing on their mechanism of action in the human body leading to disease prevention. Numerous chapters deal with different functional foods in terms of their efficacy, highlighting the mechanism of action of their ingredients. The book focuses on the biochemistry and molecular biology of the disease prevention process rather than simply compiling the benefits of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Aimed primarily at an audience comprised of researchers, industry professionals, food scientists, medical professionals and graduate level students, Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Degenerative Disease Prevention offers a mechanism-based interpretation for the effect of nutraceuticals within the human body. Ultimately, the discussion of the biological effects of a variety of functional foods will provide a wholesome approach to the maintenance of health through judicious choice of functional foods.

Nutraceutical Fruits and Foods for Neurodegenerative Disorders presents food-based strategies, specifically related to nutraceuticals, in delaying the onset and slowing down of the propensity of neuronal devastation. In addition to highlighting the positive effects of nutraceutical fruits and foods on brain health, the book also explores the medicinal properties of fruits, vegetables, berries and nutraceuticals, along with their contribution to environmental factors, potential hazards and the need for specific regulatory actions. This book will be a welcomed reference for nutrition researchers, dieticians, nutritionists and academicians studying related fields. Presents the positive aspects of nutraceutical fruits and food effect on brain health Highlights the structure activity relationship of constituents present in nutraceuticals in the treatment and cure of neurodegenerative diseases Explores the nuances of novelty in dosage form design, production, authentication, quality control and market authorization of nutraceuticals

This new volume provides important information on potential applications and new developments in functional health foods and nutraceuticals. It looks at the health-promoting properties in functional foods and beverages as well as nutraceuticals. Some health issues that are considered in conjunction with these foods and nutraceuticals include oxidative stress, obesity, pharyngitis, low cognitive concentration, among others. Research topics include the antioxidant properties of certain products, the development of functional and medicinal beverages, nutraceuticals and functional foods for alternative therapies, and more.

Focuses on the effects of natural products and their active components on brain function and neurodegenerative disease prevention. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavanoids, isoflavones, saponins etc are known to possess protective activity against many neurological diseases. The molecular mechanisms behind the curative effects rely mainly on the action of phytonutrients on distinct signaling pathways associated with protein folding and neuro-inflammation. The diverse array of bioactive nutrients present in these natural products plays a pivotal role in prevention and cure of various neurodegenerative diseases, disorders, or insults, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, traumatic brain injury, and other neuronal dysfunctions. However, the use of these antioxidants in the management of neurodegenerative conditions has so far been not well understood. This is a comprehensive collection addressing the effects on the brain of natural products and edible items such as reservatrol, curcumin, gingerol, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and marine products.