New research from Olumayokun Olajide, PhD, will look to produce compound derivatives of punicalagin for a drug that could slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease as well as reduce the painful inflammation of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Punicalagin is a polyphenol found in pomegranate fruit that the researchers have discovered can inhibit inflammation in specialized brain cells known as micrologia.
The onset of Alzheimer’s disease can also be slowed and some of its symptoms curbed by this natural compound, according to the findings of a 2-year project.
According to a University of Huddersfield news release, a new phase of research can explore the development of drugs that will stem the development of dementias such as Alzheimer’s. Olajide and co-researchers used brain cells isolated from rats in order to test their findings. The research team is reportedly still working on the amounts of pomegranate that are required in order to be effective.
Olajide, who recommends juice products that are 100% pomegranate, explains, “But we do know that regular intake and regular consumption of pomegranate has a lot of health benefits — including prevention of neuro-inflammation related to dementia.”Olajide states that pomegranate can be useful in any condition for which inflammation or neuro-inflammation is a factor, including cancer, RA, and PD.
The research will continue and will attempt to produce compound derivatives of punicalagin that could be the basis of new drugs that would treat neuro-inflammation.
Photo Appears Courtesy of the University of Huddersfield
Source: University of Huddersfield
