Research Progress on Neuroinflammatory Activity and Mechanisms of Natural Products in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive impairment and memory deficits. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving multiple factors such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms are increasingly gaining attention for their potential neuroprotective effects against AD. These natural compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-amyloidogenic, and anti-tau deposition properties, thereby laying the foundation for their anti-AD efficacy. This review summarizes recent research progress on natural products modulating neuroinflammation in AD, with a focused analysis on cellular and molecular basis of neuroinflammation and core signaling pathways including NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, MAPK and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Furthermore, this review provides an in-depth analysis of the core mechanisms by which natural products regulate neuroinflammatory responses through the aforementioned signaling pathways, and elucidates the regulatory patterns of these natural compounds on these pathways. Based on existing research findings, we put forward targeted insights, analyzed the current challenges faced in the research on the neuroinflammatory activity and mechanisms of natural products in AD treatment, and clearly pointed out the directions that need to be focused on solving in the future. Building on previous reviews, this review supplements the latest research results, aiming to provide more targeted theoretical basis and practical guidance for the development of innovative AD therapeutic strategies based on natural products.