Potential for non-starch polysaccharides in the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment: A comprehensive review

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) are food ingredients proven to be beneficial in a large number of health is-sues. However, there is no literature systematic review about the effects and corresponding mechanisms of NSPs on the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment. In this review, studies on prevention and remedi-ation of NSPs for cognitive deficit caused by diseases, menopause, ageing, chronic stress and environmental pollutants were summarized and the corresponding mechanisms were established. The anti-cognitive deficit effects of NSPs were associated with the modulation of amyloid 13 (A13) deposition, p-Tau aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, neuron apoptosis, neurogenesis, neurotransmitters, synaptic plasticity, autophagy and gut microbiota. Although the structure-function relationship has not been elucidated, several structural properties of NSPs such as molecular weight, sulfate content, hydroxyl group content, monosaccharide composition and molecular chain linkage might be crucial for the anti-cognitive deficit property. Notably, this review revealed that NSPs had a positive effect on cognitive impairment and proposed the future perspectives for further research on the anti-cognitive dysfunction effects of NSPs.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the studies on the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment by non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and establishes the corresponding mechanisms involved. The anti-cognitive deficit effects of NSPs are associated with the modulation of various biological processes, including amyloid 13 (A13) deposition, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurogenesis. Furthermore, the structural properties of NSPs may play a crucial role in their anti-cognitive deficit property.