Oxytocin: The Unexpected Neuroprotective Molecule Targeting Brain Aging and Enhancing Cognitive Health
Oxytocin, traditionally recognized for its roles in reproduction and social bonding, is emerging as a promising neuroprotective agent with potential implications for brain health and resilience. Recent preclinical studies reveal that oxytocin modulates a range of mechanisms—including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotransmitter-balancing actions—that collectively support neuronal survival and cognitive function. In Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke models, oxytocin has demonstrated the ability to reduce neuroinflammation, protect neurons from apoptosis, and improve memory and motor coordination. Additionally, oxytocin appears to stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory, potentially counteracting age-related cognitive decline. By influencing neurotransmitter pathways and cellular repair mechanisms, oxytocin emerges as a multifaceted hormone with neurotherapeutic potential. This review explores oxytocin’s neuroprotective properties and its potential to support healthspan by mitigating the hallmarks of aging in the central nervous system.
