Imagine that neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a horde of villains wreaking havoc on the brain, causing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more. But fear not! In the midst of this battle, polysaccharides emerge as true superheroes with the potential to protect our precious neurons. These incredible compounds have caught the attention of scientists due to their vast array of beneficial properties and exciting possibilities. Through this review, we delve into the role of polysaccharides in the fight against NDs. We uncover their shared characteristics, such as autophagy, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Moreover, we unveil their potential superpowers in both laboratory experiments and living organisms. This eye-opening exploration reveals the promise of polysaccharides in treating NDs and leaves us pondering about future breakthroughs. There is still much to learn and many questions to be answered in this exciting field. So grab your cape and explore the underlying research!
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by progressive degeneration and necrosis of neurons, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease and others. There are no existing therapies that correct the progression of these diseases, and current therapies provide merely symptomatic relief. The use of polysaccharides has received significant attention due to extensive biological activities and application prospects. Previous studies suggest that the polysaccharides as a candidate participate in neuronal protection and protect against NDs. In this review, we demonstrate that various polysaccharides mediate NDs, and share several common mechanisms characterized by autophagy, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction in PD and AD. Furthermore, this review reveals potential role of polysaccharides in vitro and in vivo models of NDs, and highlights the contributions of polysaccharides and prospects of their mechanism studies for the treatment of NDs. Finally, we suggest some remaining questions for the field and areas for new development.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.