Nature's toolbox against tau aggregation: An updated review of current research

Ageing Res Rev. 2023 Jun:87:101924. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101924. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

Abstract

Tau aggregation is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Hyperphosphorylated tau is believed to contribute to the degeneration of neurons and the development of these complex diseases. Therefore, one potential treatment for these illnesses is to prevent or counteract tau aggregation. In recent years, interest has been increasing in developing nature-derived tau aggregation inhibitors as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers have become increasingly interested in natural compounds with multifunctional features, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, resveratrol, and curcumin, since these molecules can interact simultaneously with the various targets of AD. Recent studies have demonstrated that several natural compounds can inhibit tau aggregation and promote the disassembly of pre-formed tau aggregates. Nature-derived tau aggregation inhibitors hold promise as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which these compounds exert their effects, safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies. Nature-derived inhibitors of tau aggregation are a promising new direction in the research of neurodegenerative complexities. This review focuses on the natural products that have proven to be a rich supply for inhibitors in tau aggregation and their uses in neurodegenerative complexities, including AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Hyper phosphorylation; Natural compounds; Neurodegenerative complexities; Tau aggregation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases*
  • Resveratrol / pharmacology
  • Resveratrol / therapeutic use
  • tau Proteins

Substances

  • tau Proteins
  • Resveratrol