Modulating Effects of Zingiberaceae Phenolic Compounds on Neurotrophic Factors and Their Potential as Neuroprotectants in Brain Disorders and Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Review

The Zingiberaceae family possess various phenolic compounds that have significant systemic bioactivities in the brain, including in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Neurotrophins are growth factors that protect neurons from oxidative stress, and dysregulation of the neurotrophic system may result in neurocognitive disease. Phenolic compounds from the Zingiberaceae family have been used in traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) to improve cognitive functions. These compounds may affect the expression of neurotrophic agents, but their underlying molecular mechanisms require further investigation. Therefore, the goal of this review is to determine the expression and functional roles of phenolic compounds from the Zingiberaceae family in brain disorders and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. While previous studies have proposed various mechanisms for the neuroprotective activity of these compounds, their precise mechanism of action remains complex and poorly understood. Despite some promising findings, there are still shortcomings in the therapeutic use of these herbs, and current interventions involving the Zingiberaceae family appear to be clinically insufficient. This article aims to summarize recent discoveries of phenolic compounds from several Zingiberaceae family members and their use as neuroprotectants and provide the first review of evidence-linked neuroprotective activity of bioactive ingredients from prominent members of the Zingiberaceae family.