#Strawberries Exert Neuro-Protective Activity by Inhibiting the Expression of Free Radicals, According to Studies

Kyle J. Norton

StrawberriesStrawberries are a genius of Fragaria × ananassa and belong to the family Rosaceae. They have been grown all over the world with a suitable climate for commercial profits and for health benefits.

Neuroprotective effects are defined as an event that protects the central nervous system (CNS) by relatively preserving neuronal structure and/or function.

The major chemical compounds include anthocyanin and ellagitannins and p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin.

Many studies have been carried out by scientists to explore the effective agent which has the potential to prevent or slow disease progression and secondary injuries by halting or at least slowing the loss of neurons.

 In spite of mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS) as a major factor in the underlying pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases, chemical constituent anthocyanins suppress MOS-induced apoptosis by preserving mitochondrial GSH and inhibiting cardiolipin oxidation and mitochondrial fragmentation.

 Also in the study of Berry fruit supplementation, polyphenolic compounds found in berry fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, may exert their beneficial effects either through their ability to lower oxidative stress and inflammation or directly by altering the signaling involved in neuronal communication, calcium buffering ability, neuroprotective stress shock proteins, plasticity, PubMed and stress signaling pathways. 

Dr. Richardson JS. indicated that pharmacological agents that protect damaged neurons are not ready yet for widespread clinical use, neuron damaging oxidative stress can be kept in check by ensuring adequate dietary sources of antioxidants with little or no scientific evidence, but the consumption of high-antioxidant foods, such as blueberries and strawberries, is appealing to most people regardless of any neuroprotective potential.

Reference
(1) The strawberry: composition, nutritional quality, and impact on human health. by Giampieri F, Tulipani S, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Quiles JL, Mezzetti B, Battino M.(PubMed)
(2) Phenolic Composition of Strawberry Genotypes at Different Maturation Stages(ACS Publication)
(3) The Promise of Neuroprotective Agents in Parkinson’s Disease by Stacey E. Seidl and Judith A. Potashkin(Frontiers in Neurology)
(4) Neuroprotective effects of anthocyanins on apoptosis induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress. by Kelsey N, Hulick W, Winter A, Ross E, Linseman D.(PubMed)
(5) Neuroprotective agents. by Richardson JS.(PubMed)
(6) Berry fruit supplementation and the aging brain. by Shukitt-Hale B, Lau FC, Joseph JA.(PubMed)