REV-ERB-Mediated Regulation of Neural Functional Mechanisms by Phytochemicals in the Circadian System

As a nuclear receptor in the circadian regulatory network, REV-ERB maintains circadian rhythm stability and participates in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis by regulating clock-gene expression, emerging as a promising intervention target for neurodegenerative disorders. Beyond circadian regulation, it is indispensable for diverse critical physiological processes, including organ function modulation, metabolism, immune responses, and neural activity and transcriptional regulation. Many phytochemicals have been confirmed to regulate CNS function and systemic metabolism via REV-ERB and its downstream cascades. In this review, the regulatory potential of REV-ERB in CNS homeostasis and function is summarized. The roles of various phytochemicals in this regulatory pathway are examined, with a particular emphasis on their capacity to modulate neurological health. This work could enhance our understanding of REV-ERB-mediated neuroprotective and metabolic actions of phytochemicals, and provide a scientific basis for circadian-guided functional food design and the application of phytochemicals in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.