Natural Products as Modulators of Neuronal and Glial Cellular Function in Cellular Neuropathology

Scientific and technological advances in the health field have contributed to improvements in the quality of life and an increase in life expectancy for the global population. On the other hand, population aging is directly associated with neuropathies and metabolic diseases. The number of people currently living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes is enormous, and projections concerning the incidence of these diseases in the coming years are alarming. At the same time, existing treatments are often palliative and do not lead to a cure for these conditions. Therefore, the search for alternatives to current therapies is imperative. In this context, natural products represent a rich source of knowledge and investigation.Natural products are bioactive compounds derived from different living organisms, although plant leaves and roots are the main sources for the identification and study of these molecules. Indeed, several polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes have been investigated in different experimental paradigms that mimic human neuropathologies and have demonstrated neuroprotective effects, largely associated with their antioxidant profiles. However, anti-inflammatory mechanisms have also been described, particularly involving glial cells, especially microglia. In this regard, studies have shown that these bioactive compounds contribute to a resolutive, anti-inflammatory glial phenotype. Glial cells, as a whole, are fundamental for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, and their dysfunction—very common in pathological conditions—is one of the factors associated with neuronal loss. Thus, the regulation of glial cells by natural products is a promising area that requires further investigation.The objective of this Research Topic is to compile review articles and original research articles that provide relevant information on the mechanisms of action and molecular targets of natural products in neuropathologies, with an emphasis on neural and/or glial cells.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Neuroprotective effects of natural products in experimental models of neurological disease• Modulation of microglia and astrocyte phenotypes by bioactive compounds• Molecular targets and signaling pathways of natural products in neural and glial cells• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms underlying neuronal and glial protection• Translational and clinical implications of natural product interventions in neuropathology Topic editors: Rafael Brito, Karin Da Costa Calaza, Daniel Souza Monteiro De Araújo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77074/natural-products-as-modulators-of-neuronal-and-glial-cellular-function-in-cellular-neuropathology