A study by University of South Florida and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that a set of molecules found in certain plants appears to have a beneficial effect in brain tissue associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers administered molecules called flavonoids, which are found
in certain fruits and vegetables, to a mouse model genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer's disease. Using two of these molecules, luteolin and diosmin, they were able to reduce the levels of a protein called amyloid-beta, which forms the sticky deposits that build up in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's.
in certain fruits and vegetables, to a mouse model genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer's disease. Using two of these molecules, luteolin and diosmin, they were able to reduce the levels of a protein called amyloid-beta, which forms the sticky deposits that build up in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's.
"These flavonoids are widely available in natural foods and it appears that they may be used in purified form as therapeutic agents. The compounds have few if any side effects and are naturally occurring in citrus fruits. They also can be found as dietary supplements in health food stores," says Terrence Town, Ph.D., one of the lead authors.
Source: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2008, May 8). Plants' Flavonoids Have Beneficial Effect On Alzheimer's Disease, Study In Mice Suggests.
No comments:
Post a Comment