Animal Studies on the Effects of Edible Bird's Nest on Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) extract on cognitive function and neuroprotection in animal models and systematically review the relevant research evidence. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Taylor Francis, Wiley, and Cochrane Library for relevant research published up to October 2025. Search terms included "Edible Bird's Nest", "Bird's Nest Extract", "EBN", "Swiftlet nest", "Collocalia", "Cognitive", "Memory", "Learning", "Neuroprotection", "Brain", "Neural", "Neurotrophic", "Animal", "Mice", "Mouse", "Rat", "Rats", "In vivo", and "Model". Two researchers independently screened all the relevant articles, extracted relevant data, and assessed the quality of included studies using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias assessment tool. RESULTS: This systematic review included 11 animal studies, primarily focused on rodent models. Preclinical evidence suggests that Edible Bird's Nest extract (EBN) may improve performance in several cognitive function tests. Animals treated with EBN appeared to show enhanced spatial memory and learning abilities in experimental settings. At the molecular level, the EBN treatment group showed improved antioxidant capacity and reduced neuroinflammation. Additionally, EBN promoted the expression of neuroprotective factors and enhanced synaptic plasticity. Research suggests that appropriate doses of EBN may have beneficial effects on cognitive enhancement and can alleviate cognitive dysfunction and neuropathological changes. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence from this systematic review suggests that EBN appears to show protective and potentially enhancing effects on cognitive function in animal models. EBN works through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as promoting the expression of neurotrophic factors and synaptic plasticity. These findings provide initial support for further investigation of EBN as a potential neuroprotective agent and cognitive enhancer. However, there is heterogeneity and methodological limitations in the research, and more standardized studies and preclinical translational research are needed to further validate the application potential of EBN in neuroprotection. These results provide an important reference for developing EBN-based functional foods and supplements for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.