A compound found in carrots, rice and green tea could help tackle Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers made the discovery while conducting a study on mice.
For the study, the team examined two compounds: EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is found in green tea, and FA, or ferulic acid, which is found in carrots and rice.
Researchers assigned 32 mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms to one of four groups at random. Some mice consumed a combination of EGCG and FA, or EGCG or FA only, or a placebo. The study, that included a series of neuropsychological tests, was carried out for three months. "After three months, combination treatment completely restored working memory and the Alzheimer's mice performed just as well as the healthy comparison mice," Town revealed.
The results showed the compounds reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. In humans, these are key elements of Alzheimer's pathology in humans.
The findings suggest plant-based supplements could offer protection against dementia in humans. "You do not have to wait 10 to 12 years for a designer drug to make it to market; you can make these dietary changes today," Terrence Town, a professor at the University of Southern California (USC) in the US, told a news portal. Adding, "I find that very encouraging."
Due to the results, researchers believe combination therapy could be a better way to treat people living with the condition. This type of treatment is already being implemented to helps patients suffering cancer, HIV infection and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study's findings were originally published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
