Resveratrol’s potential in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: molecular mechanisms

The increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, represents a serious global public health issue. Consequently, the search for compounds with neuroprotective potential has intensified. In this context, resveratrol (RSV), a stilbene polyphenol found mainly in red grapes, exhibits important pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and has been widely investigated in neuroscience due to its potential in the prevention and treatment of NDs. This narrative review was conducted using the PubMed® database, with the keywords “resveratrol”, “molecular mechanisms”, “mechanisms of action”, “neuroinflammation”, “oxidative stress”, “autophagy”, “gene regulation”, and “clinical studies”. This study discusses the molecular mechanisms of RSV on NDs, focusing on signaling pathways involved in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, gene regulation, autophagy, and cell death. Intracellular pathways such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/Keap1 are associated with immune modulation mediated by RSV, leading to a decrease in oxidative stress, induction of autophagy, and inhibition of apoptosis. RSV has pharmacokinetic limitations, such as low bioavailability and stability, although RSV can cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus, researches involving nonencapsulated formulations aim to enhance their delivery to the central nervous system. Current in vitro and in vivo studies are promising, although further clinical trials are needed, as few have been conducted and available data remain preliminary. In conclusion, RSV presents multiple benefits to neurological health and shows therapeutic potential in NDs; however, additional clinical studies and translational research are essential to validate and optimize its application.