Apigenin, a substance found in parsley, thyme, chamomile and red pepper, improves neuron formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells, may have potential to treat diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's ; new lab research demonstrates.

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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

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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."

 

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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.

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Journal Reference:

1. 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

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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>.

9 Natural mood stabilizers that help the body metabolize brain chemicals. They help improve mood, memory and cognition, without the long-term side effects associated with medication.

 

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9 Essential Mood, Memory, and Cognitive Enhancers That Boost Brain Energy Metabolism

Mood-stabilizing drugs are purely antimanic agents, which are mainly for treating mania. However, natural mood stabilizers help the body metabolize brain chemicals which enhance mood, something drugs can never do due to specific metabolic pathways necessary to metabolize the chemical constituents. These ingredients not only improve mood, memory and cognition, but they do it without long-term side effects associated with medication. Here are 9 essential ingredients to look for in any supplement designed to boost your brain.

Just like any fine, multi-functional computer, your brain requires all its elements to perform correctly and fluidly. It is entirely electro-chemical in nature, and scientists are increasingly leaning to the conclusion that the roots of many psychiatric illnesses and mental health problems might be found in brain dysfunction. This just makes sense: a tiny piece of code can mess up a fine computer, but with the right code reinstalled, the computer resumes normal operation. The same can be said of the brain, its need for proper nutrition, and the concept of feeding the brain what it most needs, in order to restore and maintain the brain in its best possible condition.
Encouraging evidence exists for the use of omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e, Kava Kava, R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, GABA, and l-tryptophan to enhance response within the brain.
Investigators are examining children with ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and adults with bipolar disorder and depression, along with a variety of other psychiatric conditions and types of cognitive impairments. Conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), MS (multiple sclerosis), MD (muscular dystrophy), all inhibit cell function and hinder the brain’s responsiveness to stimuli.
Brain energy metabolism is very important to normal brain function, so it’s no surprise to find that this factor is reduced in Alzheimer’s victims and other dementia patients: the greater the loss of energy, the more severe the dementia.
Ensuring optimal intake of key nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants throughout one’s lifetime may be an important wellness strategy to help prevent brain diseases and prevent the decline in our cognitive abilities. Approximately 6-8% of all persons aged 65+ have developed Alzheimer’s disease, and the prevalence of this disease is increasing. The current research lends further support to the use of antioxidants and a vitamin enriched daily dietary supplement program to help support the brain function as we age.

9 Essential Mood, Memory, and Cognitive Enhancers That Boost Brain Energy Metabolism
1. ACETYL-L-CARNITINE:
In a 2010 Tokyo study, the aged rats were supplemented with Acetyl-L-Carnitine to determine its effects on memory, learning capacity, and brain synaptic functions. For 3 months, 344 rats were given Acetyl-L-Carnitine (100 mg/kg bodyweight). At the end of the study, the scientsists concluded that Acetyl-L-Carnitine increases synaptic neurotransmission in the brain and consequently improves learning capacity in aging rats.
2. R-ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (R-ALA):
R-ALA reduces cataract formation, and reduces oxidative stress in the heart muscle while raising levels in the heart and liver. It also lowers glucose levels by increasing insulin metabolism and decreases numbness in Diabetics, increases energy levels within the brain cells, can decrease LDL cholesterol and remove protein oxidation for a healthy heart, and inhibits free radicals more effectively than vitamin E.
3. L-THREONINE:
Threonine is an essential amino acid and not synthesized by humans. Threonine supports cardiovascular, liver, central nervous, and immune system function. Threonine combines with the amino acids aspartic acid and methionine to help liver digest fats and fatty acids. L-threonine has been tried for ALS because, like BCAAs, it affects glutamate metabolism. Open trials and one double-blind study have shown some short-term improvement in symptoms. The research also demonstrated that symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), another disease that affects nerve and muscle, are alleviated with threonine treatment. Threonine is an immunostimulant, which promotes the growth of thymus gland.
4. L-TYROSINE:
L-Tyrosine has been proposed as a treatment for various conditions in which mental function is impaired or slowed down, such as fatigue and depression. It has also been tried for attention deficit disorder (ADD). Preliminary evidence, including small, double-blind trials, suggests that tyrosine supplements may help fight fatigue and improve memory and mental function in people who are deprived of sleep or exposed to other forms of stress.
5. PANTOTHENIC ACID:
Pantothenic acid is used in the manufacture of hormones, red blood cells, and acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter (a signal carrier between nerve cells).
6. CO ENZYME-Q-10:
“C0-Q-10” prevents oxidation of the cell membrane and mitochondria within the cell, thereby preserving youthful neurological function, and protecting the capillaries from becoming fragile; it also enhances cerebral oxygenation.
7. METHYLCOBALAMIN:
The neurologically-active form of vitamin B-12, Methylcobalamin is effective in slowing the progression of untreatable diseases and neurological aging. Japan’s scientific literature reveals 334 published studies on methylcobalamin; the studies consider the treatment beneficial for any neurological disease. For example, in patients with MS their cynocobalamin is destroyed, and methylcobalamin attempts to reverse this process.
8. DIMETHYLGLYCINE (DMG):
DMG is a dietary supplement which supports the immune, circulatory, and cardiovascular systems. It is useful for controlling epileptic seizures, and for improving neurological functions, as well as muscle recovery and endurance. DMG is a nutrient that is found in the cells of both plants and animals. The human body produces DMG in very small amounts. Supplementing the diet with higher levels of DMG greatly improves the nutritional environment of the cell. DMG has been found effective in supporting immune system function and better utilization of oxygen at the cellular level.
9. GAMMA AMINO BUTYRIC ACID (GABA):
The ability of the limbic system and the rest of the brain to communicate in an orderly manner depends critically on inhibition. GABA inhibits the cells from firing, diminishing the anxiety-related messages from reaching the cortex. GABA, glutamine and glycine are vital for energy and the smooth running of the brain functions. B6 (pyridoxine) is GABA's most important partner.

Life Choice Neurotransmitter Support contains all 9 of the above ingredients which is why it's one of the best formulas available in the natural healthy industry. If you're not familiar with Life Choice, discover why few supplement brands compare in terms of quality, purity and effectiveness.

• This formulation is a vast improvement over any other for its bioavailability with added the patented Sigma-Tau’s Acetyl-L-Carnitine with advanced delivery, complete with clinical studies showing the effectiveness of this material opposed to other forms of Acetyl-L-Carnitine.

• Instead of using DL-Alpha Lipoic Acid, instead the Life Choice Neurotransmitter Support uses R-Alpha Lipoic acid. This formulation matches the same two principle ingredients used in the clinical Study of Berkley School of Medicine and from that stage Life Choice created an even more advanced delivery with the unknown amino acid L-Threonine, not to be confused with L-Theonine.

• Through research and investigation, Life Choice have further advanced the relationships between neurological biochemistry and bioavailability for an ingestible supplement.

This isn't just any natural health supplement. Neurotransmitter Support’s precision formulation acts to improve brain energy metabolism, and with it, brain function. It's one of the most advanced formulas I've seen on the market that synergistically uses this 9 ingredients to effectively change the way the brain responds to the body and its environment.
Sources:
psych.med.nyu.edu
life-choice.net
science.gov
elavtoit.com

Dave Mihalovic is a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in vaccine research, cancer prevention and a natural approach to treatment.

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