Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons. Many neurodegenerative diseases – including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, fatal familial insomnia, and Huntington's disease – occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes. Such diseases are incurable, resulting in progressive degeneration and/or death of neurons. As research progresses, many similarities appear that relate these diseases to one ...

neurodegenerative diseases

Basic-information-and-nutritional-composition-of-apricots

Basic information and nutritional composition of apricots

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Close relative of the peach (Prunus persica), nektarina (Prunus persica var. nucipersica), plum (Prunus Domestica) (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15465" target="_blank" data-ref="Prunus domestica" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a> ) and cherries (Prunus avium) (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14806" target="_blank" data-ref="Prunus avium" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;), apricots are fragrant fruits with soft, velvety skin from the Prunus botanical family.&nbsp;

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Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are distinguished by different varieties and their color can vary from yellow to saturated orange, often with red or pink notes. Their taste is sweet to slightly tingling, with a soft, juicy fleshy part that surrounds a hard pit in the center.

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One serving of 100 grams of fresh apricots (about 2 to 3 apricots, depending on size) provides 48 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, about 1 gram of protein and less than 1 gram of fat. (&nbsp;<a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171697/nutrients" target="_blank" data-ref="FoodData Central" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;) In addition to these nutrients, apricots provide useful substances, containing in 70 grams apricots:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin A: 8% of daily value (DV)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin C: 8% of DV</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin E: 4% of DV</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Potassium: 4% of DV</li></ul>Moreover, this fruit is an excellent source of beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, all of which are powerful antioxidants opposing free&nbsp; radicals in the body. (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071715-051110" target="_blank" data-ref="Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers in Eye Health and Disease" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a> ) Their role in improving vision and protecting the eyes from damage is particularly important and well documented. ( <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1350946215000865" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;)

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Although dried fruits are a more concentrated source of calories and sugar, they are also higher in vitamins and minerals. Dried apricots, for example, provide the same nutrients as fresh ones, even in larger quantities.&nbsp;

Apricot-Health-Benefits-(Prunus-armeniaca)

Apricot Health Benefits (Prunus armeniaca)

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Promote-heart-health

Promote heart health

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Whether fresh or dried, apricots provide soluble fibers that support peristalsis and normal bowel movements. Eating 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day can reduce LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) by up to 11 points, if not more. (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lipid.org/sites/default/files/adding_soluble_fiber_final_0.pdf" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;)

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In addition, potassium in apricots helps to reduce blood pressure. These&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11906-011-0197-8?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=44672ec3-0195-4f08-9531-79c0bae7eb03" target="_blank" data-ref="The Importance of Potassium in Managing Hypertension - Current Hypertension Reports" rel="noopener">two factors &ndash; together with</a>&nbsp;numerous anti-inflammatory polyphenols in apricots &ndash; contribute to their pronounced cardioprotective action.&nbsp;

High-in-antioxidants

High in antioxidants

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Apricots are a great source of many antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C and E. In addition, they are high in a group of polyphenol antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to protect against diseases including diabetes and heart disease. (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0007114512003406/type/journal_article" target="_blank" data-ref="Please Wait... | Cloudflare" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;)

May-support-eye-vision-and-health

May support eye vision and health

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Apricots have numerous compounds that are essential for eye health, including vitamins A and E. Like other orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin and mango, apricots owe their rich tint to beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a form of vitamin A that is associated with the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration" target="_blank" data-ref="Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) | National Eye Institute" rel="noopener">[9]</a>&nbsp;)

May-reduce-the-risk-of-neurodegenerative-diseases

May reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases

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Flavonoid ivercetin is found in many fruits, including delicious apricots. Rutin, a component of versetine, is a potentially workable means of preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and prion diseases. (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2018/6241017/" target="_blank" data-ref="Rutin as a Potent Antioxidant: Implications for Neurodegenerative Disorders" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;)

Anticancer-action-of-apricot-kernels

Anticancer action of apricot kernels 

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Before looking at the apricot kernels themselves, we will only add that apricots contain several phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and can protect cells from oxidative stress. It can be one of the causes of the development of cancer over time.&nbsp;

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Apricot kernels are small but potent seeds that are seen as a potential remedy for cancer. They are located in the center of the apricot pit.&nbsp;

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The first known use of apricot seeds as a means of treating cancer in the Us dates back to the 1920s. Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Sr., claims to have used oils derived from apricot kernels to achieve "substantial results" for people with cancer. However, the treatment turns out to be too toxic for general use. His son later discovered a safer and non-totoxic formula in the 1950s. This formula is also derived from apricot kernels.&nbsp;

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Why is the potential anticancer effect of nuts being commented on? (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/laetrile-pdq" target="_blank" data-ref="Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ&reg;)&ndash;Health Professional Version" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp;)

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Krebs' son called laethril vitamin B17. He claims that the cancer is caused by vitamin B17 deficiency and that supplementation can stop cancer cells from developing. Amygdalin is said to have various cancer-fighting benefits, even today, although there is no conclusive evidence and credible scientific research to support the claims. There are some data on Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) that point to possible anticancer action in animals and humans, albeit in small studies. (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Anticancer_properties_of_Prunus_mume_extracts_Chinese_plum_Japanese_apricot_31491438" target="_blank" data-ref="Anticancer properties of Prunus mume extracts (Chinese plum, Japanese apricot). | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 12]</a>&nbsp;)

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Another theory suggests that because amygdalin is converted into cyanide in the body, cyanide works to destroy cancer cells. It is claimed that this prevents the growth of tumors. Here, however, it should be mentioned that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) poison plant database notes the link between apricot kernels and cyanide poisoning. Numerous cases have shown that ingestion of large amounts of apricot kernels causes people to experience symptoms such as "severe vomiting, sweating, dizziness and fainting." Therefore, laethril&nbsp; has not been approved by the FDA as a form of cancer treatment (&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_167.html" target="_blank" data-ref="Import Alert 62-01" rel="noopener">[ref. 13]</a>&nbsp;)&nbsp;

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Although they have great nutritional benefits that improve heart, brain, digestion and eye health, the use of apricots and their seeds as a means of treating cancer is still largely unjustified. The presence of amygdalin (also known as laetrin or vitamin B17), contained in apricot kernels, can have adverse health effects. Instead of large and potentially health-threatening amounts of apricot kernels, enjoy fresh or dried apricots to yogurt, salads and main dishes.

Nutritional composition and benefits of apricots (Prunus armeniaca)

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Бетина Цветкова

What-are-COVID-19-and-SARS-CoV-2

What are COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2

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COVID-19 is a pandemic disease and is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Coronavirus also causes a higher rate of serious illness and death compared to the flu. But symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. This virus spreads mainly by respiratory means - through droplets of saliva or excreted from the nose when an infected person coughs. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19" target="_blank" data-ref="Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;]

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SARS-CoV-2 is a member of a large family of viruses called "coronaviruses". These viruses can infect humans and some animals. Sars-CoV-2 was first known to infect humans in 2019. However, cases of morbidity have not yet been completely zeroed in, and some therapeutic approaches include both medications and herbal products. One&nbsp;<a href="https://search.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/resource/en/covidwho-819599" target="_blank" data-ref="Knowledge and awareness about ginger and turmeric as a herbal cure for COVID-19 | Int. J. Pharm. Res.;(12): 768-777, 20200701. | COVIDWHO | ELSEVIER " rel="noopener">of them, which has</a>&nbsp;been studied for its potential against COVID-19, is ginger.&nbsp;

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What-are-the-health-benefits-provided-by-ginger

What are the health benefits provided by ginger

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The health benefits of ginger are painkillers, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating. In particular, the beneficial properties of ginger are shown in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, respiratory distress, liver diseases and primary dysmenorrhea. Ginger, or more precisely its compounds, exhibit a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant influence in numerous animal models. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754821000661?fbclid=IwAR0Gqf_rhiT5F1B45XM1jI2MWxMx_IHTZycnFdptcwbyJSwK3piiOha2qvQ" target="_blank" data-ref="Therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: Is there enough evidence?" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a> ] Experimentally and clinically ginger (the rhinity of Zingiber officinale) exhibits numerous therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, neuroprotective, antimygrenosis, hepatoprotective, respiratory, antidiabetic effects. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Bioactive_Compounds_and_Bioactivities_of_Ginger_Zingiber_officinale_Roscoe_31151279" target="_blank" data-ref="Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a> ] In this regard, ginger also shows direct antiviral effects and may have a protective role against ARDS, which is the main cause of mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. ARDS - Acute respiratory distress syndrome, is an acute respiratory distress syndrome and a serious lung condition that causes low levels of oxygen in the blood. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ards" target="_blank" data-ref="Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - What Is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome? | NHLBI, NIH" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;] Due to its antiviral action, ginger can have a beneficial effect on many organs that are affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Chemically speaking, ginger contains over 400 different compounds, but its pharmacological effects are largely due to its terpenes and phenolic compounds. The terpene ingredients of ginger include zingiberen, bisabolic, farnesen, cesifelandren, limoneol, linalool, borneol, geranial and curcumen. Phenolic compounds derived from ginger include gingerols, paradoli, shogaoli and zingeron. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286320305180" target="_blank" data-ref="Nutritional implications of ginger: chemistry, biological activities and signaling pathways" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;]

Evidence-of-the-potential-of-ginger-against-COVID-19-and-other-viruses

Evidence of the potential of ginger against COVID-19 and other viruses 

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Fresh ginger has powerful antiviral effects against human respiratory singial virus (HRSV) and rhinovirus, as well as against several subtypes of influenza virus A. Results of in vitro experiments show that gingerol directly inactivates hepatitis A viruses and inhibits the replication of human norovirus in an infected cell line. In addition to direct antiviral effects, ginger can multiply congenital antiviral immunity. IFN is the first protective line against viral infections and in vitro analyses show that gingerols promote the secretion of IFN-γ by activated T cells. In addition, fresh ginger extract stimulates the secretion of IFN-α and IFN-β of HRSV -infected epithelial cells.

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With regard to coronavirus, the SARS-CoV-2-related papain-like protease (PLpro) cleaves polyprotein a/b (PP a/b) in different locations, giving several proteins needed for survival and replication of the virus. By molecular modeling, it becomes clear that 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-gingerol and another class of ginger ingredients strongly inhibit PLpro. They also found that 6-gingerol exhibits a high affinity for binding to a number of viral proteins (main protease, molecule such as SARS-CoV3C and catepsin K), which are essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication.

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Meanwhile, some of the other terpenes such as geraniol, shogaol, zingiberen, zingiberenol and zingerone may interfere with the binding of S protein-ACE2. The results of a computational analysis show that the turpene derived from ginger, namely sesquifelandren, binds to the S protein and thus interferes with the interaction S protein-ACE2.&nbsp;

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However, it is important to note that these study data should be supported by in vitro and in vivo observations .&nbsp;

Inflammation-mediated effects of SARS-CoV-2 on COVID-19 pathogenesis

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Hyperinvention, which is characteristic of infection with coronavirus, and the direct effects mediated by SARS-CoV-2 promote tissue damage. Ginger is one of the means that can counteract SARS-CoV-2 and prevent inflammation. Ginger modulates oxidative stress and prostaglandins as harmful factors in COVID-19. Ginger is also able to modulate incorrect effector T-cell responses in COVID-19. The effect of ginger-derived ingredients applied during COVID-19 infection using appropriate animal models should be evaluated in future studies. The same applies to clinical trials among groups of people.

The therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: is there sufficient evidence

The therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: is there a sufficient

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What-is-intermittent-fasting?

What is intermittent fasting?

What-is-intermittent-fasting?_0_0

Intermittent fasting is a food regime, a diet. Several different types are known, but they are summarized under one common idea &ndash; a person to eat only within a certain interval of time. Regardless of the different forms that this diet can take, so far there are no significant differences between them on the effects of the body.&nbsp;

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This diet is not newly invented&mdash; all beings are created with the idea of starving every day. This period of fasting is the time we sleep. By introducing intermittent fasting into our daily lives, we simply prolong this period of time.&nbsp;

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There are many clinical and preclinical studies that have been done regarding the effects of this regimen on the body of humans and animals. It turns out that it is not promoted for no reason - many useful changes occur in the body when a person submits to this regime. These changes can be metabolic, immunological, intestinal, in the circadian rhythm of the body, leading, ultimately, to changes in the brain.

What-happens-when-a-person-begins-to-starve-periodically?

What happens when a person begins to starve periodically?

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Compliance with this regime affects some of the body's processes and has important effects on brain function.

What-happens-when-a-person-begins-to-starve-periodically?_1_1

Metabolic-switching

Metabolic switching

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Periodically limiting the energy of our body we induce metabolic switching &ndash; the body changes its energy resource from carbohydrates to fats. The main process for generating energy in the body is glycolysis, through which we break down carbohydrates. Glycolysis is the main process because it wastes the least energy compared to other similar processes in the body.&nbsp;

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Usually, the first two or three days of fasting are accompanied by another process of energy production, which is extracted from amino acids, but we will not go into detail here.&nbsp;

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With intermittent fasting, after two-three days, the body switches to lipolysis &ndash; it begins to use stored fat to generate energy because there is no supply of carbohydrates (sugars) &ndash; it has no choice but to produce energy and at the same time retain its muscle mass.&nbsp;

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Lipolysis as a process is long and divided into many steps, in which various enzymes participate, but its goal is to turn fat into ketone. In the body, usually ketons are a major source of energy for the heart and part of the kidneys. But, when they become the main source of energy for all parts of the body interesting changes are observed, which make a major contribution to brain function:

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<ul><li>Ketons have an indirect effect on genes and lead to stimulation of autophagy - a process in which the body clears waste materials, which are often formed in the brain in neurodegenerative diseases, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30172870/" target="_blank" data-ref="The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature - PubMed" rel="noopener">Alzheimer's [ref. 1]</a>;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduce the levels of monocytes (a type of immune cell) in the blood and therefore reduce inflammatory processes. In states of epileptic shock, for example, the appearance of monocyte cells in the brain is stimulated, which excites the inflammatory process and damages the integrity of nerve cells. In an experiment, when the access of monocytes to the brain was blocked, the preservation of neurons was notable, indicating that inflammation is the main causative <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/113/38/E5665" target="_blank" data-ref="Infiltrating monocytes promote brain inflammation and exacerbate neuronal damage after status epilepticus" rel="noopener">agent of damaged neurons [ref. 2]</a>;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Suppression of the activity of the mTOR protein, which is one of the changes in metabolic switching during intermittent fasting, has anti-inflammatory action. By suppressing the mTOR protein, anabolic processes (synthetic processes) in the body are suppressed accordingly and catabolic (degradative processes) are stimulated. In this case, activation of autophagy and antioxidant processes in the body are observed, which we already know are vital for clearing harmful substances both in the brain and throughout the body;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In addition, suppression of mTOR leads to the activation of brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes synaptic plasticity and the resistance of neurons <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn.2017.156?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=b1e60b3e-97a9-4606-b310-d385858b5dd5" target="_blank" data-ref="Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity and brain health - Nature Reviews Neuroscience" rel="noopener">to stress [ref. 3]</a>;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">As a result of metabolic switching, glucose levels and therefore insulin levels are reduced. Low levels of insulin in the blood stimulate neuroplasticity and protect against metabolic and oxidative stress.</li></ul>

Improving-circadian-rhythm

Improving circadian rhythm 

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Circadian rhythm is the process of regulating vital physiological processes (gene transcription, secretion of hormones and proteins) in a 24-hour period depending on whether it is dark or light outside. There is a special area in the brain that is devoted to regulating this internal clock by the reception of light and dark called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

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In addition, we have secondary circadian fluctuations that are influenced by our lifestyle &ndash; when we eat, when we sleep, etc. In the most optimal case, the two circadian clocks work simultaneously to prepare the body for rest or activity. We all know that it is almost impossible to adopt an ideal healthy lifestyle, and it often happens that the peripheral circadian clock is not synchronized with our main internal clock. When this happens constantly, the correct function of some processes is disrupted, leading to an adulterate life.&nbsp;

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Intermittent fasting helps with the synchronisation of the two clocks. For example, if we starve in the morning, when insulin levels are normally at their peak, we do not allow further increase in insulin, which would happen if we ate breakfast.&nbsp;

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When practicing this type of intermittent fasting, insulin levels for the whole day are reduced and the body's insulin sensitivity increases accordingly (i.e. the body can metabolize <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/6/1234/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves 24-Hour Glucose Levels and Affects Markers of the Circadian Clock, Aging, and Autophagy in Humans" rel="noopener">glucose without a problem) [ref. 4]</a>. In connection to brain health, this is beneficial because ill glucose metabolism is associated with Alzheimer's, even before the onset <a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/213592" target="_blank" data-ref="Changes in Brain Glucose Metabolism as a Key to the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease" rel="noopener">of the disease [ref. 5]</a>. Intermittent fasting is beneficial here due to improving glucose metabolism by improving the sensitivity of insulin.

Microbiota-gut-brain

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Microbiota we call the population of bacteria that live in our gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, the topic of how microbiota is vital to our physiological and mental health has become increasingly intriguing. There is growing evidence that gut flora directly affects the brain through the so-called axis microbiota-gut-brain. This action manifests itself in several ways:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some structural components of bacteria stimulate the immune system. With increased stimulation, for example, due to bacterial dysbiosis, overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine or increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation or inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) can be obtained. Through intermittent fasting, the activity of the immune system can be reduced, which would prevent systemic and CNS inflammation, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3346?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=61ca181b-0b5e-4f8d-9652-8b29d3da671b" target="_blank" data-ref="Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour - Nature Reviews Neuroscience" rel="noopener">preserving brain health [ref. 6]</a>;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microorganisms send signals to the brain along the vagus nerve, which connects the intestinal nervous system to the central nervous system;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microorganisms also produce metabolites that are normally involved in metabolic processes, which we already know are key for our brain's health.</li></ul>

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The practice of intermittent fasting indicates an increase in the number of intestinal bacteria and their diversity, and levels of butyrate in the intestinal tract. Butyrate is important for maintaining the integrity of the mucous membrane of the intestine and preventing intestinal permeability. These effects help the normal function of the micriobiota and the axis microbiota-intestine-brain, providing a healthy body and a healthy mind.

There are no short-term benefits of intermittent fasting in healthy people, and no research has yet been done on how this diet would affect the brain of healthy people in the long run. But, adopting such a lifestyle can improve the cognitive functions of people with brain diseases, significantly delay the onset of inevitable diseases (especially if genetically embedded) and overall prolong life.

Does intermittent fasting affect the brain?

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Ивелина Янкова

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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

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Researchers from the University of Florida have discovered a new mechanism of signal transmission between the nerve cells in the brain and the intestinal microbiome. In their study, they also showed how this mechanism can be modulated from a compound, called fenchol, that is abundant in basil and some other plants and can reduce neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease&nbsp; <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.735933/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.1]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In this article we will first look at what causes Alzheimer's disease, what causes it and then we will look in detail at whether basil can help fight the disease.

What-is-Alzheimer's-disease?

What is Alzheimer's disease?

What-is-Alzheimer's-disease?_0_0

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is associated with memory loss (dementia). Usually it begins with a slight degree of forgetfulness, but over time it can progress to the inability to maintain conversation and cope with daily activities and needs. The disease is more characteristic of the elderly, although it is known that pathological changes in the brain begin long before the appearance of the first symptoms.

What-is-Alzheimer's-disease?_0_1

Science still cannot give a full explanation of the causes of the onset of the disease, but usually patients experience increased deposition of the so-called amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Neuronal_heparan_sulfates_promote_amyloid_pathology_by_modulating_brain_amyloid_clearance_and_aggregation_in_Alzheimer_s_disease_27030596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. This process leads to pathological changes, which include neurotoxicity and the dying of nerve cells, as a result of which dementia appearsas well as a decrease in the ability to communicate.&nbsp;

Is-there-a-link-between-Alzheimer's-and-our-gut-microbiome?

Is there a link between Alzheimer's and our gut microbiome?

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There is already data in the literature that show that patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease have a different composition of their intestinal microbiome. What does it mean?

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The human microbiome is a complex ecosystem containing over 100 trillion micro-organisms, which is proving crucial to our existence. In addition, many nerve cells that form a direct connection to our brain, called the gut-brain axis, can also be found in our guts. This two-way communication with the central nervous system also takes place through our immune system, the vagus nerve and various metabolites, which are a product of the metabolism of microorganisms living in the intestine. An important group of such substances are short-chain fatty acids. Recent studies suggest that this may be directly related to the development of pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/the_impact_of_the_microbiota_gut_brain_axis_on_alzheimer_s_disease_pathophysiology_33246175" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;[ref.3]</a>. Indeed, the amount of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)&nbsp;found in Alzheimer's patients is much less than in healthy patients with a well-balanced microflora.

How-does-our-brain-sense-the-presence-of-SCFAs?

How does our brain sense the presence of SCFAs?

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This is a very logical question that science has an answer to. The nerve cells of our central nervous system have a sensor (receptor) on its surface that is called&nbsp;free fatty acid receptor . It is also found in many other tissues of the human body and its functions generally include regulation of energy metabolism and the&nbsp;immune system.&nbsp;In addition, researchers at the University of Florida, whose study is the subject of this article, show that the activity of these receptors may play a positive role in protecting brain cells from the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

The-role-of-basil

The role of basil

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A mong144,000 compounds in search of natural products that can have a stimulating effect on free fatty acid receptors in the brain, the researchers came across a substance called fenchol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Fenchol is found in abundance in basil leaves and gives them the specific aroma that we all know. It has the ability to bind specifically to fatty acid receptors in the brain and activate them. This in turn reduces the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and their neurotoxicity on cells, as scientists have shown in living cells and in model animals.

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Continuing the study, they managed to get into greater depth of the exact cellular processes that are affected by fennel. They identify two processes that help reduce neurotoxicity.

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One is related to the breakdown of unnecessary proteins in the cell by the so-called proteasome. It seems that fenchol manages to stimulate it and thus break down the amyloid-beta plaques, which are of a protein nature.&nbsp;

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The other mechanism concerns the aging of nerve cells. Fenchol treatment reduces this process and this allows the cells to regenerate faster and not accumulate malfunctioning cells in the tissue, called zombie cells - cells that accumulate in diseased tissues and cause inflammation in them.

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"Fenhall affects two interconnected mechanisms - aging and proteolysis", says Yadav, project leader, "It reduces the formation of semi-dead zombie nerve cells and also increases the breakdown of pathological amyloid-beta plaques so that they clear faster than the brain"<a href="https://www.genengnews.com/news/alzheimers-disease-pathology-curbed-using-aromatic-compound-in-basil/?utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_source=GEN+News+Highlights+of+the+Week&amp;utm_content=01&amp;utm_campaign=GEN+News+Highlights+of+the+Week_20211009&amp;oly_enc_id=3770G6149945C3X" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.4]</a>.

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In the future, researchers will focus on the treatment and prevention options of Alzheimer's with fenchol. Their idea is to compare the effectiveness of taking fenchol directly as a drug or taking basil.

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&nbsp;

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Basil in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

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 Basil in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

During germination, chemical processes occur in the seeds, which make macro- and microelements in them more accessible to our organism when consumed. It is similar to digestion.

Sprouts are rich in antioxidants and biologically active substances, they bring health benefits and enrich our diet. They are affordable, the seeds are cheap and easy to germinate at home. Sprouts may replace the need to take vitamins and minerals in the form of dietary supplements and pills.

Brown-rice-sprouts-(Oryza-sativa)

Brown rice sprouts (Oryza sativa)

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Brown rice sprouts are the most studied ones (white rice is the same plant, but with the hull removed). They have many benefits: