The Protective Role of Flavonoids in Amnesia -Systematic Review

<ns3:p>Background Amnesia, a debilitating memory disorder, often arises from neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress, and synaptic dysfunction. Current therapies offer limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects, prompting exploration of safer neuroprotective agents. Flavonoids, abundant in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, have emerged as promising candidates due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic properties. Objective This systematic review critically evaluated experimental evidence on the protective role of flavonoids in amnesia, highlighting their mechanisms of action, therapeutic outcomes, and translational potential. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using structured search strategies across the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 were screened according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Only original experimental research investigating flavonoid interventions in animal models of amnesia was included. Results Out of 593 retrieved articles, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Behavioral assessments predominantly employed the Morris Water Maze, Novel Object Recognition Test, and Y-Maze to evaluate cognitive performance. Flavonoid interventions consistently improved memory functions, reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA), enhanced antioxidant defenses (GSH, SOD, CAT), and modulated neuroprotective gene expressions (BDNF, CREB1, Nrf2). Both crude plant extracts and isolated flavonoids, administered primarily via oral routes, demonstrated robust efficacy. Animal models included Swiss albino mice, Wistar rats, and zebrafish. Conclusions Flavonoids exhibit multi-targeted neuroprotection against amnesia by enhancing synaptic plasticity, combating oxidative damage, and modulating apoptotic pathways. These findings support advancing flavonoids toward clinical applications for cognitive disorders, warranting further translational studies and optimized formulations.</ns3:p>