The Neuroprotective Effects and Therapeutic Potential of the Chalcone Cardamonin for Alzheimer’s Disease

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) include a wide range of conditions that result from progressive damage to the neurons. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common NDs, and neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are the major factors in the development and progression of the disease. Many naturally occurring phytochemical compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with potential neuroprotective effects. Several plant species, including Alpinia katsumadai and Alpinia conchigera, contain cardamonin (CD). CD (2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′methoxychalcone) has many therapeutic properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antibiotic activities. CD is a potent compound that can reduce OS and modulate the inflammatory processes that play a significant part in developing neurodegenerative diseases. CD has been shown to modulate a variety of signaling molecules involved in the development and progression of ND, including transcription factors (NF-kB and STAT3), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6), enzymes (COX-2, MMP-9, and ALDH1), and other proteins and genes (Bcl-2, XIAP, and cyclin D1). Additionally, CD effectively modulates miRNA levels and autophagy-related CD-protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration. In summary, this review provides mechanistic insights into CD’s ability to modify multiple oxidative stress–antioxidant system pathways, Nrf2, and neuroinflammation. Additionally, it points to the possible therapeutic potential and preventive utilization of CD in neurodegenerative diseases, most specifically AD.