Research Advances of Neuroregulatory Effects of Dietary Polyphenols on Obesity Complications

Background: Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that has emerged as a major global public health concern. Obesity complications refer to a range of metabolic, neurological and behavioral disorders. Complex interaction mechanisms exist between obesity and the brain, including neuroendocrine regulation, center inflammatory responses, the gut–brain axis, and obesity-related cognitive impairment. Polyphenols are naturally occurring bioactive compounds widely found in plants. Recent research indicates that polyphenols may modulate the brain through multiple pathways, thereby ameliorating obesity complications. However, no data set available to summarize neuroregulatory effects of dietary polyphenols on obesity complication. Methods: The latest data available were collected to review research progress focusing on neuroregulatory roles of polyphenols on obesity complication. Results: This review summarizes the interaction between obesity and the brain and further explores the effects of polyphenols on obesity-related neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on their roles in appetite regulation, central neuroinflammation, brain leptin and insulin resistance, gut–brain axis modulation, and cognitive improvement. Finally, future perspectives are discussed. Conclusions: This paper may provide a new theoretical support and research direction for the potential of polyphenols against obesity-related neurological complications.