Curcumin and Resveratrol Synergy: A Multi-Target Strategy Against Neurodegenerative Disease Pathology

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's pose a significant global health challenge due to their complex pathology and the lack of effective treatments. This review paper synthesises evidence on the neuroprotective potential of two prominent natural compounds, curcumin and resveratrol, and explores their synergistic effects. Curcumin, a polyphenol from turmeric, and resveratrol, a stilbenoid found in grapes, have been extensively studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. These compounds operate through multiple molecular pathways, including the modulation of the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway, inhibition of NF-κB, and regulation of key proteins involved in amyloid-beta plaque formation and tau phosphorylation. The synergy between curcumin and resveratrol is particularly noteworthy, as their combined use has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in various preclinical models. This paper critically reviews the mechanisms, preclinical studies, and clinical evidence for both compounds, highlighting their combined therapeutic potential. It also addresses the major challenges, such as poor bioavailability, and discusses advanced delivery strategies like nanomedicine to enhance their efficacy. The findings suggest that a synergistic approach with curcumin and resveratrol represents a promising strategy for developing novel neuroprotective agents for a range of neurological disorders.