Moreover, the hierarchy of evidence remains skewed toward preclinical animal and cell studies, while clinical evidence is sparse and often exploratory
Despite being discovered alongside neurons, astrocytes remained understudied for decades
It enhances both synthesis and breakdown of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen, glycosaminoglycans (including dermatan and chondroitin sulfate), and decorin, and regulates metalloproteinases and their inhibitors (Pickart, Vasquez-Soltero, and Margolina 2015)
Recent advancements in neuropharmacology have intensified the search for multi-targeted therapeutic agents, particularly plant-derived compounds that exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (Papadopoulou et al., 2024)