Recent advances in dietary phytochemicals against Alzheimer’s disease: extraction and multitarget evaluation of their effects

The rise in life expectancy is associated with the increased prevalence of age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration or dementia. Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, associated with a complex interaction among genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies have evidenced that lifestyle including physical exercise, tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as diet, interact with the main routes of AD development. In recent years, the ability of some phytochemicals found in natural sources such as plants, foods, and algae have been studied for their potential as neuroprotective agents. In this review, the latest advances in the extraction of these natural bioactive compounds, involving the use of emergent green extraction techniques and novel green bio-based solvents are presented. Moreover, different in vitro and in vivo assays and analytical tools used under a multitarget approach to elucidate the mechanisms of action of these compounds, are summarized. Finally, future trends in the use of phytochemicals as potential neuroprotective agents are critically discussed. • Different phytochemical classes show potential as neuroprotective agents against AD. • Bioactivity assessment should be focused on multi-target activities. • Advanced -omics tools are unavoidable to reveal their mechanisms of action. • A combination of in-vitro and in-vivo assays is useful to assess neuroprotection.