Beneficial effects of berry fruit polyphenols on neuronal and behavioral aging

It is becoming increasingly clear that although there is a great deal of research being devoted to elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in aging, practical information on how to forestall or reverse the deleterious effects of aging may be years away. Therefore, it may be beneficial to determine other methods to improve the quality of life in the aging population. A plethora of epidemiological studies have indicated that individuals who consume a diet containing high amounts of fruits and vegetables may have a reduced incidence of age-associated diseases such as cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases. Research from our laboratory has suggested that supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress and inflammation that occurs in aging, and that these reductions are expressed as improvements in behavior. In addition to research indicating the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory functions of the polyphenolic compounds found in these fruits and vegetables, further studies have suggested that other mechanisms such as cellular signaling may contribute to the beneficial effects of these compounds on aging. (c) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.