Effect of tea polyphenols on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases through gut microbiota

Tea polyphenols (TPs) have shown several memory-enhancing activities. The gut microbiota is essential in developing neurodegenerative diseases as a critical regulator of brain-gut axis function. The microbiota in the gut modulates neuronal activity and activates microglia through the immune system, amino acid metabolism, and visceral nerves, thereby exerting a regulatory effect on brain function. TPs have the advantage of multi-targeting, and high safety profiles compared to drugs and have shown great potential in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, they can effectively modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. Studies have been undertaken into the mechanisms related to the preventative effect of TPs on neurodegenerative diseases mediated by the gut microbiota. This review discussed the potential preventive mechanism of TPs of neurodegenerative diseases by modulating host gut microbiota, and TPs may be regarded as potential neuroprotective substances with high efficiency.