Resveratrol and the neuroinflammation axis in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral ischemia

Resveratrol (RES), a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in grapes, berries, and peanuts, has attracted considerable interest because of its antioxidant, anti−inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This narrative review examines the current evidence regarding the potential effects of RES on memory−related processes and neuroinflammatory biomarkers in major neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and cerebral ischemia.

Relevant literature was identified through searches of major scientific databases, and studies addressing the molecular mechanisms, experimental outcomes, and therapeutic implications of RES in these conditions were evaluated. The available evidence indicates that RES can modulate several biological pathways associated with neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal survival.

Experimental studies suggest that RES may influence key molecular mediators such as pro−inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) signaling, and matrix metalloproteinases, which are implicated in neuronal damage and blood–brain barrier disruption. In preclinical models of AD and PD, RES has been associated with improvements in cognitive performance, reduction of neuroinflammatory markers, and attenuation of neuronal loss.

Similarly, studies in MS and cerebral ischemia models indicate that RES may modulate immune responses, reduce oxidative damage, and limit ischemia−related neuronal injury. However, most of the current evidence derives from in vitro and animal studies, and clinical data remain limited.

Moreover, the low bioavailability of RES and variability in dosing regimens represent important challenges for clinical translation. Therefore, although experimental findings support the potential neuroprotective role of RES, further well−designed clinical studies are required to determine its therapeutic relevance and safety in human neurological disorders.

This narrative review was developed through a structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical investigations of RES in neurological disorders. This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of RES, with particular emphasis on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities.

By integrating findings from experimental and clinical research, the review highlights the potential of RES to modulate key pathways involved in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Although further well-designed clinical studies are required to clarify its therapeutic efficacy and translational relevance, the available evidence supports continued investigation of RES as a promising candidate for neuroprotective strategies in neurological disorders.