Scientists Discover Plant-based Polyphenols as Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Introduction
Scientists have found that highly abundant, naturally occurring, plant-based polyphenols like tannic acid found in the twigs of trees like Chestnut and Oak can modulate the ferroptosis-AD axis to yield a safe, cost-effective strategy for combating Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The Challenge of Alzheimer’s Disease
AD is a widely prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by memory and cognitive decline, yet it remains poorly understood despite decades of dedicated research. As a consequence of this, there are no therapeutics to completely cure the disease. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, has emerged as a significant contributor to the development of AD.
Promising Findings by Scientists
A new study conducted by scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) suggests that naturally occurring polyphenols could be revolutionary therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD. These polyphenols have dual capabilities to ameliorate ferroptosis and AD, providing a promising solution.
The Mechanisms
- Inhibition of aggregation of amyloid and tau proteins
- Diminishing oxidative stress
- Rescuing mitochondrial function
- Inhibiting ferroptosis
These mechanisms, as stated in a press release, represent the potential of naturally occurring polyphenols to combat AD effectively.
