Investigating the impact of resveratrol and quercetin on glymphatic function, blood-brain barrier, and neuroglial health: a systematic review
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential of quercetin (QUE) and resveratrol (RSV) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on their effects on glymphatic function, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, neuroglial health, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest following PRISMA guidelines for studies published between 2019 and 2024. Thirty-six studies, including experimental models and clinical trials, were identified and assessed for outcomes relating to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of QUE and RSV.
RESULTS
Across 56 studies, both QUE and RSV significantly enhanced antioxidant defences (upregulation of SOD, GSH, GPx, CAT) and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB). Several studies also reported Nrf2/HO-1 and SIRT1/AMPK activation. BBB integrity improved via increased claudin‑5/occludin/ZO‑1 expression and reduced Evans blue/sodium fluorescein extravasation; cerebrovascular reactivity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were frequently restored. Glymphatic outcomes demonstrated enhanced AQP4 polarization at end feet and accelerated clearance of fluorescent tracers and β-amyloid in vivo, with preserved astrocyte-pericyte coupling. Neuroglial health improved (reduced microglial M1 markers, increased M2/Arg‑1 and astrocytic homeostatic markers), alongside…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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