Plant Products for Healthy Neurological Aging

Human health has long been associated with dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods and the use of traditional herbal medicines. The shift following industrialization - from predominantly plant-based diets to those higher in animal products and processed foods - has coincided with an increased incidence of age-related chronic diseases. Accordingly, there is increasing scientific interest in the role of plant-derived foods, extracts, and bioactive compounds in supporting healthy aging and mitigating age-associated decline. Dietary supplements containing concentrated extracts of food plants or traditional medicinal herbs have grown substantially in use, underscoring the need for rigorous, evidence-based evaluation of their biological effects and mechanisms of action.The increasing proportion of older individuals globally highlights the importance of maintaining neurological health across the lifespan. Age-related neurological changes may include declines in cognitive function, sleep quality, and neuropsychiatric health. This Research Topic aims to advance mechanistic and translational understanding of how botanical products influence neurological health. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating biological pathways such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, proteostasis, glial and vascular function, and mitochondrial health.A key priority of this Research Topic is to promote standardization and translational relevance in the study of plant-derived interventions. Submissions should address aspects such as extract standardization, identification and characterization of bioactive compounds, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), metabolism, and brain bioavailability. Studies that bridge preclinical findings to clinical applicability are especially encouraged.This Research Topic encompasses both disease-oriented and healthspan-focused outcomes. Relevant disease contexts include mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related neurodegenerative conditions. In parallel, studies addressing resilience and function during normal aging - such as cognitive resilience, sleep, and mood - are within scope.We welcome contributions from human studies as well as investigations conducted in relevant animal models of aging, including metazoan systems. Submissions may include review articles or reports of original preclinical, clinical, or epidemiological research covering, but not limited to, the following themes:• Neurological effects of specific terrestrial or marine plants and derived products• Epidemiological associations between dietary plant intake and neurological health in aging• Effects of well-characterized plant extracts or compounds in preclinical models or clinical populations• Identification and characterization of neurologically active plant-derived compounds• Mechanistic studies addressing pathways such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, proteostasis, and mitochondrial or glial/vascular biology• Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, biodistribution, and brain bioavailability of plant-derived compounds• Approaches to extract standardization and reproducibility in botanical research Topic editors: Amala Soumyanath, David Vauzour, Niki Chondrogianni Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78884/plant-products-for-healthy-neurological-aging