Pharmacological effects of protocatechuic acid and its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases: Review on the basis of in vitro and in vivo studies in rodents and humans

studies. Experimental studies strongly support the role of protocatechuic acid in the prevention of neurodegenerative processes, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, due to its favorable influence on processes underlying cognitive and behavioral impairment, namely accumulation of the β-amyloid plaques in brain tissues, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in neurons, excessive formation of reactive oxygen species and neuroinflammation. There is a growing evidence that protocatechuic acid may become in the future efficacious and safe substance that protects against neurodegenerative disorders.