Volume-2 ,Issue-5, May-2026

Over 55 million individuals globally experience cognitive impairment. This condition arises from factors such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, the aggregation of proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, as well as synaptic dysfunction. Current medications, including cholinesterase inhibitors, provide only symptomatic relief without changing the course of the disease. This review examines neuroprotective bioactive compounds sourced from tree nuts specifically walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios. It includes a discussion of phenolic such as gallic and ellagic acids, flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, tocopherols, polyunsaturated fatty acids including α-linolenic acid, and peptides. These target key pathways: ROS scavenging/Nrf2 activation for antioxidants; NF-κB/cytokine inhibition for anti-inflammation; cholinesterase blockade; BDNF for synaptic plasticity. Walnuts have the best evidence (WAHA trial: better memory and executive function); pecans have the most antioxidants (ORAC 17,940 μmol TE/100g); and almonds have the most vitamin E. Analytical tools like HPLC-MS and docking connect profiles to effects, but there are still gaps in standardization, bioavailability, long-term trials, and data that doesn't come from walnuts. Nut bioactives hold potential for enhancing cognitive health by addressing various aspects. Future studies must identify the most effective formulations and evaluate them in clinical environment.

Keyword: Cognitive impairment, Neuroprotection, Nut bioactives, Oxidative stress and Neuroinflammation, Neuroplasticity.