Neuroinflammation can be caused by disease, aging, infection, brain injury, toxicity, or stress. It is a contributory factor in the neuropathology of serious conditions that include multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The neuroinflammatory response involves the activation of microglia, astrocytes, the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier, and peripherally-derived immune cells. The endocannabinoid system is composed of the natural cannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), enzymes regulating their synthesis/catabolism, and the cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. It regulates multiple systems in the body including inflammation and endocannabinoid system dysregulation is involved in numerous inflammatory conditions. The Cannabis sativa plant produces over 100 phytocannabinoids, some of which interact with the endocannabinoid system. The major phytocannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG). Compelling evidence is emerging that many phytocannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Phytocannabinoids including delta-9-THC, CBD, and CBG bind to a wide variety of targets in the endocannabinoid and/or other systems, which probably accounts for their diversity of effects in non-clinical and clinical studies. The benefits of certain phytocannabinoids have been proven by regulatory approval for medical use of CBD (Epidiolex^®), chemically synthesized delta-9-THC (Marinol^® and Syndros^®) and 1:1 delta-9-THC/CBD (Sativex^®). Furthermore, the widely recognized therapeutic properties of Cannabis have been a key driver in legalizing the medical use of Cannabis in 38 USA states. In this review, the potential of phytocannabinoids as effective treatments in neuroinflammatory disorders is discussed based on a critical evaluation of the non-clinical and clinical evidence. We focused on delta-9-THC, CBD, and CBG because they are the most abundant phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa and a substantial body of scientific data exists to describe their respective pharmacological mechanisms.

Recent investigations have shed light on the potential of seaweed, an abundant source of bioactive compounds, to mitigate and combat neurodegenerative diseases. In this comprehensive review, the accumulating evidence supporting the neuroprotective properties of seaweed-derived compounds is evaluated and their putative mechanisms of action are elucidated. The background of this review encompasses the general understanding of neurodegenerative diseases as debilitating conditions characterized by the progressive loss of nerve cell function and viability in the central nervous system. Furthermore, the global prevalence of these diseases, encompassing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, and the persistent absence of effective treatments are emphasized. To address this critical issue, an innovative avenue of research is explored by investigating the potential of seaweed and its diverse array of bioactive compounds. By examining the available literature, the evidence supporting the neuroprotective effects of seaweed-derived compounds is consolidated. These bioactive constituents exhibit promising properties in preventing and mitigating neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, their actions involve intricate pathways that contribute to neuronal survival, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of neuroinflammation, and modulation of protein aggregation processes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of seaweed compounds. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of seaweed as a valuable source of neuroprotective compounds and underscores the advancements made in this burgeoning field. The identification and elucidation of the mechanisms through which seaweed compounds exert their neuroprotective effects hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. These findings transcend disciplinary boundaries, offering insight into the potential application of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable resource for combating neurodegenerative diseases across scientific domains.