In memory of Dr. Leo Veenman.

Recent studies have shown that both synthetic and naturally occurring biological molecules can be efficacious in the treatment of brain disorders. While synthetic molecules have yielded mechanistic insights in vitro and in vivo, their translational progress toward treatment for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders remains unsatisfactory, often due to limited efficacy, undesired toxicity, and other unwanted side effects.

In contrast, the last three decades have witnessed growing insights into the preventive and therapeutic benefits of bioactive molecules present in herbs and spices, as well as various other food products. Such molecules typically present beneficial effects in their source organisms, including plants, fungi, and animals. Comparable beneficial effects are seen in studies with cell cultures, animals, and humans. Regarding neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, they can provide protection against a range of adverse events, including infections (bacterial, fungal, and viral), inflammation, cell damage, and cell death. Moreover, such molecules can promote progenitor cell proliferation, cell migration to the damaged target area, and differentiation to replace lost cell types. This can serve to compensate for tissue loss and the reinstatement of functional neurocircuitry. Interestingly, matching changes in gene expression have been observed. These effects have been shown to be relevant across a spectrum of brain disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), burnout syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and other forms of dementia.

One of the key challenges in this field is to enhance the bioavailability of these promising molecules in situ. Fortunately, recent studies demonstrated that synergistic formulations—mixtures of such bioactive molecules—do not only enhance therapeutic efficacy per se, but can also accommodate for inter-individual variability in drug response, addressing the limitations of a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

With this Research Topic, we invite contributions that explore the role of bioactive molecules from herbs and spices in brain health. We welcome submissions that deepen our understanding of the biological mechanisms, bioavailability, and combinatorial effects of natural therapeutics for brain disorders.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

The Molecular Biological Active Agents of Herbs and Spices Ameliorating Brain Disorders

Topic Coordinators