Methylxanthines (MTX) are purine derived xanthine derivatives. Whereas naturally
occurring methylxanthines like caffeine, theophylline or theobromine are widely consumed in food,
several synthetic but also non-synthetic methylxanthines are used as pharmaceuticals, in particular in
treating airway constrictions. Besides the well-established bronchoprotective effects, methylxanthines
are also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, mediate changes in lipid
homeostasis and have neuroprotective effects. Known molecular mechanisms include adenosine
receptor antagonism, phosphodiesterase inhibition, effects on the cholinergic system, wnt signaling,
histone deacetylase activation and gene regulation. By affecting several pathways associated with
neurodegenerative diseases via different pleiotropic mechanisms and due to its moderate side
effects, intake of methylxanthines have been suggested to be an interesting approach in dealing with
neurodegeneration. Especially in the past years, the impact of methylxanthines in neurodegenerative
diseases has been extensively studied and several new aspects have been elucidated. In this review
we summarize the findings of methylxanthines linked to Alzheimer´s disease, Parkinson’s disease
and Multiple Sclerosis since 2017, focusing on epidemiological and clinical studies and addressing
the underlying molecular mechanisms in cell culture experiments and animal studies in order to
assess the neuroprotective potential of methylxanthines in these diseases