Message: Canadian hemp and Himalayan herbs can be out of your reach but vanilla is everywhere.
Apocynin (acetovanillone) is structurally related to vanillin. In 1970s, apocynin was isolated from Himalayan medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa but long before that, in 1880s, it was found in the root of Canadian hemp Apocynum cannabinum, thus the name. Under this name, it is currently being extensively researched. An important antioxidative effect of apocynin is discussed in connection with its potential to fight neuronal dysfunction and inflammmation in diseases ranging from stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases to psychiatric disorders (1).
Interestingly, researchers from Food Products Development Centre, Switzerland, considered vanillin more than a flavoring agent but a potent antioxidant effective in quantities as little as 0·01–0·5% added to foods (2). It showed stronger antioxidant activity than did Vitamin C (3).
Sources
- Frontiers Biosci (2012) E4, 2183-2193
- J Sci Food Agric (1989), 48, 1, 49–56
- Biochim Biophys Acta (2011) 1810, 2, 170–177
Message: Already taking melatonin or resveratrol? Think of having both
Melatonin is naturally present in the brain (1). It controls daily rhythms of our bodies (hence its use as a sleeping pill) and influences the immune system and aging (2,3).
When combined with vitamin C or alpha-lipoic acid (4,5), it works with them synergistically (6) highlighting their positive effects while adding something else. Recently, it was shown to be true for the the melatonin plus resveratrol combination (7).
Sources
- J Exp Bot 2009; 60:57–69
- Curr Top Med Chem 2002; 2:167–779
- J Pineal Res 2010; 48:282–289
- J Pharm Pharmacol 2001; 53:1393–1401
- J Pineal Res 2003; 34:269–277
- Synergistic effect: help or hype?
- J. Pineal Res. 2011; 50:110–123
Further reading:
Resveratrol and curcumin, plant’s own weapons that protect the brain
Brain aging and antioxidants on the market
Message: “The neuroprotective efficacy of caffeinated coffee was similar to that of decaffeinated coffee, indicating that active compounds present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, may drive the effects” (1)
We wrote before that caffeine is good for your brain (2,3), now it turns out that coffee keeps working even after it’s decaffeinated.
- Neurochemistry International 60 (2012) 466–474
- Caffeine protect against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease
- Coffee, tea, and chocolate can help to avoid Parkinson’s disease
Message: Don’t overlook common things
Oxidative stress is implicated in more than 100 diseases including neurodegenerative diseases since it damages brain cells (1). Many hawthorn species, e.g., Crataegus pinnalifida, monogyna, pinnatifida are recognized cardioprotectors and neuroprotectors including the cases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, ischemic stroke or traumatic brain damage (2,3).
It’s a good news since hawthorn is a very common plant and its berries is widely used in cooking (4).
Sources
- Resp Physiol (2001) 128, 3, 379–391
- J Neurochem (2004) 90, 1, 211–219
- Evidence-Based Compl Alt Med (2012) 984295, 8; doi:10.1155/2012/984295
- What can I do with hawthorn berries?
Message: there are many supplements on the market believed to postpone brain aging but they are still on clinical trials. To wait until consensus is reached or to go for them since they wouldn’t hurt depends (mostly) whether you can afford them or not.
Vitamins E and C, alpha-lipoic acid, creatine, melatonin, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, CoQ10, curcumin, resveratrol, glucose, malate and other antioxidants and (and their combinations) are subjects of around 30 registered clinical trials investigating diseases blamed for the consequences of brain aging — Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Source: Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 25 (2011) 187–208
Studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants, which are primarily provided by fruits and vegetables, may help prevent a variety of serious diseases Among the best known antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, ubiquinone (Q10) and the flavonoids found in wine, apples, onions and tea.
Surprisingly, cooked artichokes were found the highest-ranking vegetable-antioxidant. Even more of surprise was the discovery of antioxidative properties of potato placed on the top twenty list. (Health Evidence Network, WHO)
Comparing 40 fruit and beriries for their antioxidative activities researchers put wild blueberries to # 1 position. Among many health benefits listed were: memory and heart support, vision protection, urinary tract health, and cancer prevention. Cultivated blueberries were rated lower than their wild relatives (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52: 4026-4037, 2004)
Not only wild blueberries, but other berries such as: dog rose, sour cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, crowberry, and especially black currant are now considered potent antioxidants. Cranberries ranked sixth, with blackberries eighth, raspberries tenth, and strawberries eleventh. (August 1, 2004 — Vegparadise News Bureau)
The long-lasting champion championship of blueberries as antioxidants, recently a new candidate for the position has been announced – small red kidney beans, leaving blueberries slightly behind and pinto and black beans seriously down the list. (June 9 issue of (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry June 09)
