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9 Best Herbs for Neuroprotection

TanovaMed Neuroprotection July 13, 2019July 13, 2019Brain protective herbs

It is estimated that about 80% of the population in the developing world uses some form of herbs to treat common medical conditions. The western world is also shifting towards natural therapies, wishing to avoid the overwhelming side effects that come with pharmaceuticals.

Natural remedies which constitute herbs are classified as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and we are seeing significant sums of monies being channeled towards research in this area. This article reviews herbs that are therapeutic and that specifically target the brain.

Why is brain health important?

Before we get to the herbs it is important to first understand why brain health is important.

The brain starts developing from the neural tube by week six following conception. It will continue to develop until around the age of 25.

Throughout life, the brain controls all the important functions of living such as breathing, circulation, feeding, and movement among others. That is why a brain dead person is sometimes referred to as a “cabbage.”

When the brain is in an unhealthy state, we run the risk of losing control of the very functions that make life possible and this limits our capacity to enjoy life. That is why it is very critical to maintain a healthy brain.

What Destroys our Brain Cells?

As we age, our brain cells begin to deteriorate and lose some function; this is referred to as neurodegeneration. This often occurs due to: the accumulation of toxic substances in the brain such as proteins and metal ions, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation.

When brain cells are destroyed the resulting set of conditions are referred to as neurodegenerative diseases. With longer life expectancies, we may soon experience an epidemic of the same.

How Do Herbs Protect The Brain?

Herbs, just like medicines contain compounds that influence important processes in the brain. They also provide nourishment for brain cells and replenish energy stores to allow brain cells to function optimally.

Here are the 10 Herbs That Protect the Brain

1. Sage

Sage is an herb that is mostly used to spice soups, meats and sauces. It has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease with good success rates. A study published in Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior in 2003 showed that it is essential in improving memory.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric herb contains a therapeutic compound known as curcumin. Curcumin has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and both these properties are vital for brain health. It has also been shown to potentially treat Alzheimer’s by removing toxic proteins (beta-amyloid) from the brain. These proteins may be responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is famously used as a healing herb in Asia and India. It works as an adaptogen, helping the brain to deal with stress. It also helps in memory retention.

4. Rosemary

This is a common herb the world over, mostly used in marinades. It is also used in spas as part of the essential oils for aromatherapy. It has deeply relaxing effects on the brain and is a potent brain-booster. Inhaling the smell of rosemary stimulates brain cells and increases learning ability. It also helps in memory retention.

5. Vacha

Vacha is also commonly found in Asia and India. It helps to detoxify the brain of harmful toxins as well as improving concentration. It is also a stimulant and can be used to treat mood disorders.

6. Huperzine-A

This is a Chinese herb that has shown great potential in the treatment of degenerative disease. It destroys acetylcholinesterase to allow acetylcholine to perform its functions. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that transmits information from one brain cell to another. With this, huperzine-A boosts brain function and enhances memory retention.

7. Ginkgo Biloba

Overlooking the tongue-twister name, this herb has been used for centuries to enhance mental function. It stimulates the regeneration of new brain cells and may help in restoring brain function after the onset of degenerative disease.

8. Ginseng

Ginseng is a popular herb commonly used to treat colic in babies. It has its origins in India but is now popular in many parts of the world. It contains compounds known as ginsenosides that have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Gingenosides also eliminate beta-amyloid plaques that are implicated to trigger Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Thyme

Thyme plays a critical role in brain protection because it contains compounds that are important for brain function.

Docoshexanoic acid (DHA) protects the brain against cognitive decline. It also improves cognitive ability.

Apigenin stimulates the formation of new brain cells.

Are Herbs All You Need to Protect Your Brain?

The short answer is no. You need to couple this with other neuroprotective and neuroregenerative measures. Also, remember to consult with your physician before embarking on any natural treatment for neurodegenerative disease.

Links

1.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/53700.php 2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25701919 3.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/1843142/ 4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758353/ 5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/

Brain Protecting Foods

TanovaMed Neuroprotection June 15, 2019June 15, 2019Brain protecting foods

9 Best Foods for Neuroprotection

Neuroprotection seems to be the new health freak buzzword, but is it all hype? Read this article to the end to understand why this is a big deal and which natural foods support this mechanism.

Neuroprotection refers to the mechanism used to protect brain cells from deterioration. Researchers have spent lots of time and money in finding novel therapies for brain protection. In the process, they have discovered that foods have an immense potential to protect the brain from degeneration as well as support healing and recovery of brain cells and tissues.

This article will review the best nine foods that protect your brain. But before getting to that, let’s first understand why our brain degenerates.

What Makes Our Brain Deteriorate?

A couple of factors are responsible for neurodegeneration. While some factors are yet to be discovered the common ones include:

1. Oxidation by free radicals

Chemical reactions that occur in our bodies may trigger the formation of electrically charged particles known as free radicals. When these free radicals are in excess, they cause oxidative stress which is a trigger for neurodegenerative disease.

2. Inflammation

Inflammation in the brain will trigger an immune response which may cause damage to brain cells. Inflammation can occur as a result of disease or brain tissue injury. This has been linked to degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

3. Accumulation of Iron

Excessive build-up of iron in brain cells may cause excitotoxicity or over stimulation of brain cells. This may result in the death of brain cells.

4. Accumulation of Proteins

Accumulation of proteins such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been linked to certain degenerative diseases.

You can look at this article to get a better understanding of how neurodegeneration occurs. But with the little knowledge shared above let us look at how foods can protect the brain from damage.

Do Foods Heal the Brain?

The brain needs energy and nourishment in order to function optimally. Different foods replenish energy in the brain; they also help in repairing and building new cells. Without these important foods, the brain will be deprived of the fuel it needs to function daily.

Not all foods have a direct effect on the brain, however a few foods play critical roles in the nourishment of the brain. Here is a list of nine such important foods.

Which Foods Heal Your Brain?

1. Fatty Fish

You have probably heard the theory that eating fish makes you smarter. Well, there is a lot of truth to this narrative, and here is the background to this belief.

60% of the brain is composed of fats and half of these are omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats are essential for building brain cells and grey matter in the brain. Grey matter is essential for decision making, memory formation and emotions.

Fatty fish are particularly great for obtaining omega 3. Consider the following fish types: mackerel, salmon, herring, oysters, sardines, and anchovies.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts are a rich source of omega 3 fats as well as essential vitamins. They are especially useful in delaying cognitive decline that comes with aging. Lastly, they contain polyphenols which have anti-oxidizing properties.

3. Beans

Beans are packed with folate which is important for the development of the brain. Folate deficiency has been linked to neurological disorders. A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience showed that beans provide more folate than any other food.

4. Avocados

Avocados provide a rich source of mono-unsaturated fats which increase blood flow to the brain. They also contain vitamin B, C, E, folate and copper which are essential for maintaining nerves in a healthy state. Vitamin B is great at relieving stress and lowering blood pressure.

5. Dark, leafy vegetables

Dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collards offer lots of beneficial vitamins and they are high in plant antioxidants. They also have a minimal amount of omega-3 fats.

6. Eggs

Eggs are high in tryptophan and choline both of which play a crucial role in the proper functioning of brain cells. Choline is the precursor of another important compound citicoline which is prevalent in brain cells. Citicoline helps the brain cells to utilize the glucose that is available to them.

Eggs are also useful in raising good cholesterol levels and reducing the amount of bad cholesterol.

7. Berries

Berries are rich in phytonutrients and flavonoids which have great antioxidant properties. When free radicals accumulate in the brain, they cause damage to nerve cells. Research has shown that flavonoids are important in improving cognitive skills, improving learning and memory retention. Berries have also shown potential in reducing inflammation in the brain.

Lastly, berries are a rich source of resveratrol which improves brain connectivity in older people.

8. Pumpkin Seeds

Most people throw out pumpkin seeds and eat the flesh of the pumpkin for obvious reasons – carotene. But what they do not know is that the seeds have equal therapeutic benefits as well. Pumpkin seeds have antioxidizing properties that protect the brain from free radical damage. They contain zinc which is crucial for nerve signaling. Zinc deficiency will trigger the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. They also contain magnesium and copper which enhance brain function.

You can add these seeds to smoothies and salads.

9. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which have great antioxidizing properties. In one study, participants who consumed chocolate regularly had greater memory retention than those who did not. Chocolate is great for improving mood and stimulation as well.

Factors such as genetics play a key role in the development of degenerative diseases. But incorporating these foods into your meal plan will go a long way in keeping brain cell deterioration at bay.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

TanovaMed Neurodegeneration April 22, 2019April 29, 2019Brain diseases, loss of brain function

The world over, life expectancy is increasing due to various reasons such as better access to health services, improved nutrition and other positive lifestyle changes. It is therefore unfortunate that we have not found a way to stem the tide of increasing cases of neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, scientists are working tirelessly to understand the etiology of brain deterioration that comes with aging in the hope of finding a cure for neurodegenerative diseases.

The brain is made up of billions of cells known as neurons which facilitate vital communications in the brain. These neurons are present at birth and continue forming during the early days of life. There has been a lot of controversy as to whether adults are able to form new neurons; it is now emerging that neurogenesis in adulthood is a possibility in certain conditions.

Neurodegenerative disease is a broad term used to define diseases that occur following the loss of function and death of neurons in the brain. They have a slow onset and arise in old age laying weight to the claim that aging is linked to cognitive deterioration. As much as the symptoms of degenerative diseases may vary, the changes at the cellular level are interlinked. Symptoms may be emotional or behavioral, they include: memory loss, anxiety, agitation, mood changes, changes in gait, depression and diminished quality of life among others. When it comes to causation, genetics and environmental factors play a key role, but this will vary from one disease to the other. Common degenerative diseases include: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Motor neuron disease, Huntington disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Prion disease, Multiple sclerosis and ALS.

To better understand this, let us look at a few of these conditions, how they present, risk factors and possible treatments.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease occurs when neurons in the substantia nigra die; this region of the brain sends communication to the basal ganglia to cause musculoskeletal movement. The substantia nigra releases dopamine that is sent to the basal ganglia to trigger movement. When neurons in this part of the brain die, a person will have symptoms such as: resting tremor, rigidity and difficult in making movements. Initiating movement is difficult and they may need assistance. The person suffering from this may also portray emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety. With brain deterioration also come memory deficits, lack of focus, attention deficits and slowness in processing thoughts.

Huntington’s Disease

Similar to Parkinson’s, Huntington disease affects neurons in the basal ganglia. However, Huntington disease is genetic and associated with a genetic defect in chromosome 4. This causes protein build up in the brain which results in toxicity to the brain cells. Patients will present with excessive movement that is uncoordinated. They will also have facial grimacing, jerking movements and impaired gait. The patient will also struggle to make intentional movements. Other symptoms include irritability, anxiety and rapid mood changes.

Dementia

Most neurodegenerative diseases will cause memory loss. It is believed that as the brain shrinks, memories are subsequently lost. Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia are the most common forms of neurodegenerative dementias.

Alzheimer’s Disease

This disease will present with plaques that build up in the cerebral cortex and it presents with gradual memory loss that worsens with time. It affects people aged between 40-90 years. As it progresses, patients will develop other symptoms that include: diminished reasoning skills, diminished ability to talk, diminished motor-eye coordination and emotional instability. Science has shown that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can slow the progression of this disease.

Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Most neurodegenerative diseases are lifelong, with patients being advised to seek palliative treatment. But a lot of research is going on in this area and promising a lot of hope. One of the pathways being considered is stem cell therapy to replace the dead neurons. This idea is still in the pre clinical stage. A four-step approach to address neurogenerative diseases involves the following:

Neuroprotection: measures to protect brain cells from neurodegradation

Neuroplasticity: stimulating neurons to form new connections to adapt to changes such as injuries

Neuroenhancement: measures to enhance cognitive functions

Neurogenesis: Triggering brain cells to regenerate

Neurodegeneration

TanovaMed Neurodegeneration April 22, 2019May 20, 2019Brain deterioration, cognitive decline, neurodegeneration

What is neurodegeneration?

Previously, it was believed that human beings were born with the complete set of neurons that they would need for their entire lifetime and were incapable of forming new neurons later in life. But new evidence has contradicted this theory and we now know that human beings are capable of forming new neurons in later life. In this brief, we shall discuss what kills brain cells, the mechanisms through which this happens and the implications of brain deterioration.

Neurons are the basic working unit of the brain; they may also be called brain cells. They transmit information to other neurons, muscles or glands.

During intra uterine life and shortly after birth, the nervous system is created in humans with 50% more neurons. These extra neurons are degraded through a programmed cell death mechanism known as apoptosis. Later in life, neuronal death that is unprogrammed and deleterious can happen; this is referred to as necrotic cell death to differentiate it from apoptosis. It may occur following traumatic brain injury, inflammation, exposure to environmental toxins, infections or genetic mutations.

Neurodegeneration is the progressive degradation of brain cells through necrotic processes. When this happens, the brain loses some key functions such as memory, cognition, judgment and intelligence. Neurodegeneration is a key element in the development of several chronic illnesses that affect the brain such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia and Huntington disease. As much as these diseases differ in their presentation, the changes that happen at a cellular level are closely interlinked. Understanding the causes of brain deterioration is helpful in ameliorating the above-mentioned diseases.

What causes neurodegeneration?

The real triggers for neurodegeneration are hazy; however, a few factors have shown a positive correlation. Scientists are continuously looking into these factors in the hope that they can find possible cures for neurodegenerative diseases. The key factors include aging, exposure to toxic substances, inflammation, infections, genetic mutations and traumatic injuries. We shall look at a few of these factors.

· Aging

There are quite a few theories that have attempted to explain cognitive decline as a person age. Some theorists have also argued against the notion that brain deterioration is a natural process of aging. Whichever the case is, we are aware that most degenerative diseases have a late onset making it apparent that brain deterioration has something to do with aging.

Aging is associated with mitochondrial mutations and oxidative stress which occur over time. These two factors have been linked to neurodegeneration. Loss of mitochondrial function can also contribute to an accumulation of toxins in the brain. These toxins can kill brain cells.

· Buildup of toxins in the brain

Toxins can accumulate in the brain for several reasons such as injury, inflammation and infections. Chemical toxicity results in necrotic cell death. For example, the buildup of proteins tau and amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease results in neurodegeneration.

· Genetic mutations

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a lipid molecule PI(3,5)P2 that is vital for the survival of nervous system cells. When this molecule undergoes mutation or is absent, brain cells begin to die.

· Autophagic block

Autophagy is a process through which the body gets rid of damaged cells by delivering them to lysosomes for degradation. In autophagy, defective cells are pushed out, so the brain remains “clean.” But when autophagy has been blocked, normal cells are broken down and thrown out leading to neurodegeneration. Science has confirmed that mutations of autophagic cells promote neurodegeneration. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are both linked to defects in the autophagic pathways.

It is clear that all these factors that cause brain cells to die are interrelated. In some cases, neurons begin to malfunction and lose communication with other neurons and glands. When this happens, the symptoms will be similar to those that appear when brain cells have been destroyed.

Implications of neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration is the trigger for the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In trying to find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases, scientists have been forced to investigate the process of reversing or inhibiting neurodegeneration.