Phytochemicals in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread age-related neurodegenerative disease. Recently, a growing body of evidence suggested the phytochemical use to slow down AD onset and progression.


OBJECTIVE
To review the phytochemical role potentially involved in AD treatment.


METHODS
A systematic review from existing literature on phytochemicals used in the treatment of AD patients was conducted. Selection criteria included: 1) age≥60 years; 2) AD diagnosis in agreement with the criteria of National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIAAA), and 3) suitable measures to asses cognitive, functional and clinical status.


RESULTS
Ninety-seven articles were involved in the present study. Several phytochemicals seem to slow down AD onset, delay disease progression and let recovery through targeting multiple pathological causes by anti-cholinergic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features.


CONCLUSIONS
Deeper knowledge on phytochemicals and their specific molecular targets is essential to guarantee safe use of these compounds as an option for AD treatment.
Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Grazia
G
D'Onofrio
Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Daniele
D
Sancarlo
Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, and Research Center of Aging and Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
Qingwei
Q
Ruan
Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, and Research Center of Aging and Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
Zhuowei
Z
Yu
Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.|Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.|Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy.
Francesco
F
Panza
Catholic University, School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
Antonio
A
Daniele
Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Antonio
A
Greco
Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Davide
D
Seripa
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D064209:Phytochemicals
AChEIs; Alzheimer's disease; Phytochemicals; acetilcholinesterase inhibitors; anti-inflammatory activities; antioxidant properties