Current update on the protective effect of epicatechin in neurodegenerative diseases.



Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neural structures instead of the selective neuronal loss caused by metabolic or toxic disorders. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are among the several neurodegenerative diseases for which there is no treatment (Ruz et al., 2020[21]). New and better treatment strategies are urgently required to tackle these fatal illnesses. For example, epicatechin is one of the most prevalent and plentiful flavonoids (Figure 1(Fig. 1)). Numerous organs and tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscle, and neurons, have been studied, and epicatechin has been associated with mitochondrial improvement (Panneerselvam et al., 2013[19]). Epicatechin has been demonstrated to aid in treating neurodegenerative diseases, although there is little data to back this claim (Shaki et al., 2017[22]). The discoveries will also offer researchers a roadmap for developing neuroprotective drugs that are safe and effective (Table 1(Tab. 1); References in Table 1: Al-Amri et al., 2013[1]; Ali et al., 2021[2], 2022[3]; Avramovich-Tirosh et al., 2007[4]; Beasley et al., 2019[5]; Bitu Pinto et al., 2015[6]; Cano et al., 2021[7]; Cuevas et al., 2009[8]; Diaz et al., 2019[9]; Ehrnhoefer et al., 2006[10]; Ferruzzi et al., 2009[11]; Koh et al., 2006[12]; Kumar and Kumar, 2009[13]; Li et al., 2004[14]; Lim et al., 2013[15]; Mandel et al., 2004[16]; Nan et al., 2021[17]; N'Go et al., 2021[18]; Rubio-Osornio et al., 2015[20]; Shaki et al., 2017[22]; Siddique et al., 2014[23]; Tseng et al., 2020[24]; Wang et al., 2012[25]; Xu et al., 2006[26]; Ye et al., 2012[27]; Zhou et al., 2019[28]).

Figure 1

Chemical structure of epicatechin

Table 1

An update on the protective effect of epicatechin in various neurodegenerative diseases

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.