Flavonoids as modulators of memory and learning: molecular interactions resulting in behavioural effects

Rendeiro, C., Guerreiro, J. D.T., Williams, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4452-671X and Spencer, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2931-7274 (2012) Flavonoids as modulators of memory and learning: molecular interactions resulting in behavioural effects. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 71 (2). pp. 246-262. ISSN 1475-2719 doi: 10.1017/S0029665112000146

Abstract/Summary

There is considerable interest in the potential of a group of dietary-derived phytochemicals known as flavonoids in modulating neuronal function and thereby influencing memory, learning and cognitive function. The present review begins by detailing the molecular events that underlie the acquisition and consolidation of new memories in the brain in order to provide a critical background to understanding the impact of flavonoid-rich diets or pure flavonoids on memory. Data suggests that despite limited brain bioavailability, dietary supplementation with flavonoid-rich foods, such as blueberry, green tea and Ginkgo biloba lead to significant reversals of age-related deficits on spatial memory and learning. Furthermore, animal and cellular studies suggest that the mechanisms underpinning their ability to induce improvements in memory are linked to the potential of absorbed flavonoids and their metabolites to interact with and modulate critical signalling pathways, transcription factors and gene and/or protein expression which control memory and learning processes in the hippocampus; the brain structure where spatial learning occurs. Overall, current evidence suggests that human translation of these animal investigations are warranted, as are further studies, to better understand the precise cause-and-effect relationship between flavonoid intake and cognitive outputs.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/28008
Identification Number/DOI	10.1017/S0029665112000146
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Neuroscience Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Nutrition and Health
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
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