The brain, a complex and vital organ, is susceptible to damage from oxidative stress, inflammation, and various forms of injury. Neuroprotection, the preservation of neuronal structure and function, is a critical area of medical research. Mangiferin, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. This review will explore how mangiferin shields the brain from harm, its mechanisms of action in conditions like traumatic brain injury and neuroinflammation, and its potential role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Discover how nature's compounds can support brain health.

The neuroprotective properties of mangiferin are largely attributed to its robust antioxidant activity. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major contributors to neuronal damage in conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. Mangiferin effectively scavenges these harmful molecules, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the brain. Furthermore, it modulates the expression of proinflammatory signaling molecules, including TNF-α and COX-2, and regulates transcription factors like NF-κB, thus mitigating neuroinflammation. The mangiferin antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are vital for preserving neuronal integrity and function.

Research has shown that mangiferin can ameliorate cognitive deficits and protect against neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In animal models, mangiferin treatment has been observed to decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus, while simultaneously increasing the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a key protective enzyme. Moreover, mangiferin has demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, suggesting its beneficial impact on mood and behavior by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. These findings underscore the potential of mangiferin in supporting mental health and cognitive function.

Mangiferin also plays a role in protecting against more severe brain injuries, such as those resulting from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. In these contexts, mangiferin has been shown to reduce brain edema, attenuate oxidative stress, decrease neuronal apoptosis, and improve neurological deficits. Its ability to promote the Nrf2/HO-1 cascade, a critical pathway in cellular defense against oxidative stress, is central to its protective actions. The mangiferin neuroprotective properties are further enhanced by its capacity to regulate inflammatory responses and cellular stress pathways, positioning it as a promising agent for brain injury recovery and prevention.