neuroprotective

adjective

neu·​ro·​pro·​tec·​tive ˌnu̇r-ō-prə-ˈtek-tiv 

ˌnyu̇r-

: serving to protect neurons from injury or degeneration

neuroprotective drugs

Examples of neuroprotective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties—possibly from CBD—hemp seeds may also help in the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

Mushroom fruiting bodies provide the vast majority of the polysaccharides, beta-glucans, minerals and all the other beneficial compounds that are neuroprotective, support the immune system and make fungi so good for us. —Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2023

Studies have shown that CBD can reduce inflammation and may offer neuroprotective benefits, thus slowing the progression of the disease. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2023

There are even potential benefits for the brain: studies suggest that coffee's polyphenols may have neuroprotective properties, which could guard against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2023

It has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties and may help protect the brain from damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023

Potential Neuroprotective Effects Research indicates that CBD oil possesses neuroprotective properties that could benefit brain development in autistic individuals. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023

One area of interest is the neuroprotective properties that delta 8 may possess. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023

Astrocytes are responsible for neuroprotective tasks like clearing away excess neurotransmitters and regulating various brain functions. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neuroprotective

adjective

neu·​ro·​pro·​tec·​tive ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-prə-ˈtek-tiv 

: serving to protect nerve cells from injury or degeneration

Neuroprotective strategies involve interfering with the ischemic cascade, thereby prolonging and substantially reducing stroke size.

—Lewis B. Morgenstern et al., Scientific American Medical Bulletin

Laboratory and clinical studies with selegiline are promising, but have not yet firmly established that selegiline, or any other drug, is neuroprotective.

—Warren Olanow, The Journal of the American Medical Association

neuroprotection

-ˈtek-shən 

noun

Neuroprotection is another approach that has become important in glaucoma research. It is the use of drugs to protect optic nerve cells from taking in too much calcium, thus strengthening them against growing intraocular pressure.

—Aimee Phan, USA Today