Resveratrol: A Potential Hippocampal Plasticity Enhancer.
The search for molecules capable of restoring altered hippocampal plasticity in psychiatric and neurological conditions is one of the most important tasks of modern neuroscience. It is well established that neural plasticity, such as the ability of the postnatal hippocampus to continuously generate newly functional neurons throughout life, a process called adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), can be modulated not only by pharmacological agents, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment, but also by "nutraceutical" agents. In this review we focus on resveratrol, a phenol and phytoalexin found in the skin of grapes and red berries, as well as in nuts. Resveratrol has been reported to have antioxidant and antitumor properties, but its effects as a neural plasticity inducer are still debated. The current review examines recent evidence implicating resveratrol in regulating hippocampal neural plasticity and in mitigating the effects of various disorders and diseases on this important brain structure. Overall, findings show that resveratrol can improve cognition and mood and enhance hippocampal plasticity and AHN; however, some studies report opposite effects, with resveratrol inhibiting aspects of AHN. Therefore, further investigation is needed to resolve these controversies before resveratrol can be established as a safe coadjuvant in preventing and treating neuropsychiatric conditions.
Translational Neurobiology Unit, Laboratory of Panic & Respiration/Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71 Fundos, 22290-140 Praia Vermelha, RJ, Brazil.
Gisele Pereira
GP
Dias
Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience/Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK; The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.
Graham
G
Cocks
Translational Neurobiology Unit, Laboratory of Panic & Respiration/Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71 Fundos, 22290-140 Praia Vermelha, RJ, Brazil; Health and Environment School, Universidade Castelo Branco, Avenida de Santa Cruz 1631, 21710-255 Realengo, RJ, Brazil.
Mário Cesar
MC
do Nascimento Bevilaqua
Translational Neurobiology Unit, Laboratory of Panic & Respiration/Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71 Fundos, 22290-140 Praia Vermelha, RJ, Brazil.
Antonio Egidio
AE
Nardi
Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience/Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK; The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.
Sandrine
0000-0003-1260-8083
S
Thuret
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D013267:Stilbenes; D000077185:Resveratrol