Bioactive β-Carbolines in Food: A Review

Harman and norharman, two neuroactive β-carbolines, are present in several plants and in thermally processed foods. They exhibited a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this article, we review the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Paulina Piechowska, Renata Zawirska-Wojtasiak, Sylwia Mildner-Szkudlarz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-04-01
Series:Nutrients
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/4/814
Description
Summary:Harman and norharman, two neuroactive β-carbolines, are present in several plants and in thermally processed foods. They exhibited a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this article, we review the progress of recent research on the presence of these compounds in food, as well as their various biological and neuroactive properties. Our findings strongly suggest that some foods, especially coffee, can act as a rich source of β-carbolines, which may possibly be associated with a reduced risk for serious neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
ISSN:2072-6643