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Plant compound found in spices, herbs increases brain connections
Flavonoid apigenin has potential to treat diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
- Date:
- December 10, 2015
- Source:
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education
- Summary:
- Apigenin, a substance found in parsley, thyme, chamomile and red pepper, improves neuron formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells, new lab research demonstrates.
FULL STORY
The neurons treated with apigenin (right) show more formation of synapses (red) than the neurons that were not treated.
Credit: Rehen et al.
Brazilian
researchers from D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR),
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and Federal University of
Bahia (UFBA) have demonstrated in laboratory that apigenin, a substance
found in parsley, thyme, chamomile and red pepper, improves neuron
formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells.
Previous
experiments with animals had already shown that substances from the
same chemical group as the apigenin, known as flavonoids, positively
affect memory and learning. Many studies highlight the potential of
flavonoids to preserve and enhance brain function. While the
effectiveness of flavonoids for brain health is not an entirely new
concept, this research is the first to show the positive effects of
apigegin directly on human cells and the first to unraveling its
mechanism.
The scientists observed that just by applying apigenin to human stem cells in a dish they become neurons after 25 days -- an effect they would not see without the substance. Moreover, the neurons that were formed made stronger and sophisticated connections among themselves after being treated with this natural compound.
"Strong connections between neurons are crucial for good brain function, memory consolidation and learning," says neuroscientist from IDOR and UFRJ Stevens Rehen, leader author of the paper published in Advances in Regenerative Biology.
The research team conducted by Rehen demonstrated that apigenin works by binding to estrogen receptors, which affect the development, maturation, function, and plasticity of the nervous system. This group of hormones is known to delay the onset of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. However, the use of estrogen-based therapies is limited by the increased risk of estrogen-dependent tumors and cardiovascular problems.
Researchers believe apigenin can be used as an alternative approach on future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases as well as in neuronal differentiation strategies in laboratory.
"We show a new path for new studies with this substance," points out Rehen. "Moreover, flavonoids are present at high amounts in some foods and we can speculate that a diet rich in flavonoids may influence the formation of neurons and the way they communicate within the brain."
The scientists observed that just by applying apigenin to human stem cells in a dish they become neurons after 25 days -- an effect they would not see without the substance. Moreover, the neurons that were formed made stronger and sophisticated connections among themselves after being treated with this natural compound.
"Strong connections between neurons are crucial for good brain function, memory consolidation and learning," says neuroscientist from IDOR and UFRJ Stevens Rehen, leader author of the paper published in Advances in Regenerative Biology.
The research team conducted by Rehen demonstrated that apigenin works by binding to estrogen receptors, which affect the development, maturation, function, and plasticity of the nervous system. This group of hormones is known to delay the onset of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. However, the use of estrogen-based therapies is limited by the increased risk of estrogen-dependent tumors and cardiovascular problems.
Researchers believe apigenin can be used as an alternative approach on future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases as well as in neuronal differentiation strategies in laboratory.
"We show a new path for new studies with this substance," points out Rehen. "Moreover, flavonoids are present at high amounts in some foods and we can speculate that a diet rich in flavonoids may influence the formation of neurons and the way they communicate within the brain."
Story Source:
The above post is reprinted from materials provided by D'Or Institute for Research and Education. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
The above post is reprinted from materials provided by D'Or Institute for Research and Education. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Journal Reference:
- Cleide S. Souza, Bruna S. Paulsen, Sylvie Devalle, Silvia Lima Costa, Helena L. Borges, Stevens K. Rehen. Commitment of human pluripotent stem cells to a neural lineage is induced by the pro-estrogenic flavonoid apigenin. Advances in Regenerative Biology, 2015; 2 (0) DOI: 10.3402/arb.v2.29244
Cite This Page:
D'Or
Institute for Research and Education. "Plant compound found in spices,
herbs increases brain connections: Flavonoid apigenin has potential to
treat diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 December 2015.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151210144912.htm>.
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