A team of researchers from Taiwan aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of myrobalan extracts and ellagic acid by using beta-amyloid25-35 (Ab25-35)-induced cell cytotoxicity in undifferentiated rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cellular models.
The results of the study revealed that the methanolic and water extracts of myrobalan and ellagic acid displayed the most potent neuroprotective activity against Ab25-35-induced undifferentiated PC12 cell deaths at 0.5 to five micrograms per milliliter (ug/ml.). Myrobalan ellagic acid also demonstrated partial neuroprotective activity against H2O2-induced undifferentiated PC12 cell deaths at 0.5 to five ug/ml.
The team discovered that myrobalan extracts and ellagic acid protected the cells in three ways: by keeping the cells healthy; by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species; and by eliminating calcium ion influx.
In conclusion, this study shows that myrobalan extracts may be used as a promising natural medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
More on myrobalan and its other health benefits
Myrobalan, which is native to southern Asia and India, has long been used for its medicinal purposes in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It has a bitter taste and is available in powder or dietary supplement form.
Myrobalan is rich in vitamin C and compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used as a medicine for various ailments, such as a sore throat, allergies, and digestive problems like constipation and indigestion. There are some studies on the potential health benefits of myrobalan.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research in 2010 showed that myrobalan helped lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in mice. Myrobalan has also been found to have some antioxidant effects, increasing the expression of antioxidants that fight oxidative stress. In a study published in Cell Biochemistry and Function, the study's researchers treated aging rats with myrobalan and found that it helped increase concentrations of several antioxidants, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and vitamins C and E.
Myrobalan may also have some beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome. In an animal study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, researchers conducted a series of experiments on mice with metabolic syndrome and found that myrobalan may help treat the condition as it lowered blood sugar levels.
Preliminary research also suggests that myrobalan may offer certain health benefits, such as oral health. A study published in the journal Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry found that using a mouthwash made with myrobalan might help protect against cavities. In the study, the researchers gave 30 people either distilled water or a myrobalan-based mouthwash. After they analyzed the saliva samples of the participants, which were collected after rinsing, they found that the mouthwash made with myrobalan was significantly more effective in eliminating bacteria linked to the onset of cavities.
Myrobalan also has pain management properties, according to a small study published in the Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology. In the study, researchers provided participants with a single oral dose of myrobalan or a placebo and discovered that myrobalan increased the pain threshold and pain tolerance of the participants compared to the placebo.
Lastly, a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that myrobalan extract has powerful protective effects against amnesia due to its antioxidant activities. The researchers suggest that myrobalan extract has the potential to be used as a natural, alternative treatment for amnesia.
Read more news stories and studies on natural treatments for Alzheimer's disease by going to Alzheimers.news.
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