A review on neuropharmacological role of erucic acid: an omega-9 fatty acid from edible oils.

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are characterised by loss of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. For the normal functioning of the brain, divers group of fatty acids in the form of glycerophospholipids, glycerol ether lipids, cerebrosides, sulfatides, and gangliosides are essential. They are present abundantly in the nervous system and are actively involved in both the development and maintenance of the nervous system. A dietary deficiency of essential fatty acid during development results in hypomyelination state which affects various neuronal functions. Several studies suggested that age remains the primary risk factor for almost all neurodegenerative disorders. The potential contribution of these fatty acids in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders is indispensable. Erucic acid an omega 9 fatty acid, which is obtained from edible oils has proven to cause myocardial lipidosis, heart lesions and hepatic steatosis in animals therefore, its content in edible oils is restricted to certain levels by regulatory agencies. However, erucic acid in the form of a mixture with oleic acid is often used as a dietary treatment for the management of adrenoleukodystrophy without any cardiotoxicity. Our literature search revealed that, erucic acid reported to enhance cognitive function, interact with peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), inhibit elastase and thrombin. In this review first we have attempted to describe the relationship between fatty acids and neurodegeneration followed by a description on the pharmacology of erucic acid. The overall purpose of this review is to analyse toxic and beneficial neuropharmacological effects of erucic acid.