Myricetin and dihydromyricetin from edible plants as promising neuroprotective agents for neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric disorders contribute substantially to global disability and place a sustained burden on patients, families, and health systems. Safer plant-derived bioactive compounds are therefore needed, because many current pharmacotherapies offer limited efficacy and cause serious adverse effects. Berries, vine tea, and edible plants including Myrica species contain the naturally occurring flavonoids myricetin and its dihydroflavonol analog, dihydromyricetin. Owing to their diverse pharmacological properties, particularly their neuroprotective effects, myricetin and dihydromyricetin have attracted considerable attention. The neuroprotective benefits of myricetin and dihydromyricetin in models of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment of diverse origins were summarized in this review, based on recent preclinical research. The underlying mechanisms spanned antioxidant defense, ferroptosis inhibition, suppression of neuroinflammation, restoration of autophagy, and modulation of the gut–brain axis, neurotransmitter systems, and neurotrophic factors. We also reviewed the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of both compounds, together with delivery strategies now under investigation, including nanocarriers, cyclodextrins, and phospholipid complexes, intended to improve oral bioavailability and brain targeting. On this basis, the review outlined a preclinical framework for developing myricetin and dihydromyricetin as functional ingredients or nutraceuticals. However, current evidence is predominantly preclinical, and clinical safety and efficacy remain to be established.