Neuroprotective Effects of Seaweeds in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is anprogressive neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms of progressive cognitive decline, including memory loss.The rapid worldwide increase in prevalence of AD highlights a high unmet need for novel AD therapies beyond symptom management. Current pharmacologic interventions, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, provide a marginal benefit in ameliorating disease progression. Thus, we look to onboard alternative ocean-derived bioactive constituents as therapeutics.Some of the bioactive compounds present in brown algae (seaweeds), in particular, such as fucoidan, phlorotannins, and alginate, demonstrate neuroprotective action by inhibition of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in addition to the amyloid-induced plaques (the major hallmarks of AD pathology).Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polysaccharides from green and red algae may also play a role in the preservation of cognitive functions due to their content in species. Preclinical trials in the past have shown that these compounds can be useful for neuroprotection and even disease modification.While this is promising, further research and clinical trials are needed to demonstrate the impact on AD treatment with seaweed-derived compounds. Placing a bet on the new advances of science, marine bioresources, while not neglecting the progress noticed these days in enhancing the lives of AD creatures.