A review of plant-derived products regulating amyloid beta-degrading enzymes in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent form of dementia that affects elderly individuals, characterized by cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairments. Cerebral amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) is a critical precipitating factor in AD development. Aβ exists in a dynamic equilibrium between biosynthesis and clearance in the CNS. Disruption of this balance leads to increased Aβ deposition in the brain and the development of AD. PURPOSE: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on stimulating Aβ-degrading enzymes (ADEs). Evidence suggests that enhancing Aβ degradation is more effective than preventing Aβ accumulation. Different strategies have been developed for the upregulation of ADEs; we provide a summary of the research on the benefits of bioactive plant constituents for enhancing the activity of ADEs. METHODS: Electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched for articles. Using the articles that dealt with the effect of plant-derived products on ADEs were identified, and the most recent evidence regarding their influence on the expression and/or activity of ADEs was summarized and discussed. RESULTS: The results indicated that a total of 39 plant-derived products can regulate ADEs, including Curcuma longa, Vitis vinifera, Panax ginseng, Cichorium intybus, and Crocus sativus, among others. Among ADEs, neprelesin, with 13 medicinal plants that are effective in regulating its activity, is the most important enzyme. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that upregulating the levels of ADEs with plant-derived products is a promising strategy for the prevention or reversal of AD. However, pharmacological approaches face several challenges, including the necessity for enzyme stimulation instead of enzyme inhibition and the potential for dysregulation of other related substrates.