Several studies have suggested that a cup of coffee could combat age-related brain damage and keep Alzheimer’s at bay. But what if you’re not a coffee aficionado?
New research shows a new alternative that can protect brain cells against damage linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are often triggered by factors including obesity, aging, and exposure to pesticides and other harmful environmental toxins.
Researchers in the United States have made a compelling discovery that could change the course of brain disease prevention.
They have found that a common byproduct of brewing coffee—coffee grounds—may play a crucial role in defending brain cells against damage.
Published in the journal Environmental Research, this innovative study conducted by the team at the University of Texas at El Paso suggests that a derivative of coffee grounds, specifically caffeic-acid-based carbon quantum dots, may provide protective benefits for brain cells against various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The research indicates the potential for these compounds, harvested from coffee waste, to be developed into a pill form for treating NDs.
However, the protective effects were noted specifically in cases where the NDs were induced by certain factors, including obesity, aging, and contact with harmful pesticides and environmental toxins.
While current therapies for NDs are focused on symptom management, this breakthrough hints at a future where prevention or even resolution of these diseases could be possible.
NDs severely restrict an individual’s capacity to carry out fundamental tasks such as movement and speech, as well as more complex functions like maintaining bladder and bowel control and cognitive processes.
Prominent among these conditions are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, prion disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neuron disease, Huntington’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and spinocerebellar ataxia.
Doctoral student and project leader Jyotish Kumar shared insights into the research:
“Caffeic-acid based carbon quantum dots have the potential to be transformative in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
“This is because none of the current treatments resolve the diseases; they only help manage the symptoms.
“Our aim is to find a cure by addressing the atomic and molecular underpinnings that drive these conditions.”
Caffeic acid is part of the polyphenol group, which are plant-derived compounds recognized for their antioxidant abilities, specifically their efficacy in neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Its distinctive quality lies in its capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to directly influence brain cells.
To isolate these beneficial particles, the research team employed an eco-friendly method, heating the coffee grounds to 200 degrees Celsius for a duration of four hours.
Dr. Mahesh Narayan, a professor and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry within the same team as Mr. Kumar, emphasizes the importance of early intervention in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).
Dr. Narayan mentioned:
“It is critical to address these disorders before they reach the clinical stage.”
“At that point, it is likely too late. Any current treatments that can address advanced symptoms of neurodegenerative disease are simply beyond the means of most people.
“Our aim is to come up with a solution that can prevent most cases of these conditions at a cost that is manageable for as many patients as possible.”
The team is actively pursuing additional funding to advance their research.
In the US, Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, leading to memory problems, personality changes, and mobility issues.
Parkinson’s disease, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by involuntary tremors, slow movement, and muscle rigidity.
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