Supplement and nutraceutical therapy in traumatic brain injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Nutraceuticals and supplements have emerged as potential therapeutics to enhance brain recovery post-injury. OBJECTIVE: To review the current evidence on the efficacy of various nutraceuticals and supplements in TBI management. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for studies published from January 2000 to December 2023 was conducted. RESULTS: Omega-3 fatty acids, play a crucial role in neuronal integrity and function, aiding TBI recovery by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces oxidative stress, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and suppresses inflammatory markers, enhancing cognitive recovery in TBI models. Fisetin, a flavonoid, reduces oxidative damage and inflammation by upregulating Nrf2 pathways and suppressing NF-kB, showing potential in TBI models. Vitamin D supplementation improves cognitive function, reduces inflammation, and correlates with better recovery outcomes in TBI patients. B vitamins, especially B2, B3, and B6, exhibit neuroprotective properties by reducing lesion volume, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage post-TBI. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, protects against TBI-induced oxidative stress and improves neurocognitive outcomes. These agents modulate various pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways to abrogate neuroinflammation, stabilize mitochondria, decrease oxidative stress, and promote neuronal recovery. Creatine, Coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and zinc also show promise in reducing inflammation, and enhancing recovery in TBI models, although further clinical research is needed. CONCLUSION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03032302.

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