Bright yellow turmeric, which is a part of the curry seasoning, can become a source of a new medicine against Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases, according to the Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Julich (Germany) say that one of the active substances of turmeric stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells in the brain, giving hope to people with Alzheimer's disease and those who recover from a stroke.

German scientists told about their discovery in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy.

The biologically active substance of turmeric in question is called aromatic (ar-) thumerone. Previous studies have shown that ar-tumerone can block the activation of microglial cells. When these cells are activated, an inflammatory process occurs in the nervous system that is associated with certain neurological diseases.

Until recently, scientists were not aware of the ability of ar-tumerone to influence the processes of self-healing of brain cells.

German researchers say that they focused on the study of endogenous neural stem cells (NSC) that are present in the brain of an adult. These neural stem cells are transformed into mature neurons, playing an important role in self-healing of the brain in various diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

In the course of their work, scientists tested the effects of ar-tumerone on neural stem cells in live adult rats. With positron emission tomography with a labeled agent, scientists were able to observe cell proliferation, enlargement of the subventricular zone, and an increase in the hippocampus in the brain of rats injected with thumerone. They explain that the subventricular zone and the hippocampus are two areas in the adult brain of mammals where there is an active growth of neurons.

One more step towards regenerative medicine.

To further study ar-tumerone, the researchers cultured rat fetal neural stem cells in six different concentrations of this substance for 72 hours. It turned out that at certain concentrations, thumerone accelerates the proliferation of NSC by as much as 80%, without affecting cell death. The process of cell differentiation also increases.

Commenting on the results of his research, Dr. Adele Rueger said: "While some substances previously described by science are capable of stimulating the proliferation of stem cells in the brain, very few drugs can affect the differentiation of stem cells to neurons. And this is one of the cherished goals of regenerative medicine. Our results showed that aromatic tumeron is capable of bringing science closer to this goal ".

Recall that turmeric contains curcumin - a substance with pronounced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

The latest study continues a series of discoveries in the field of studying Alzheimer's disease. Recently, scientists from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (USA) have identified a defect in the brain signaling pathways that can be associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists believe that this discovery will lead to the creation of the first strategy to prevent disease.

medbe. en.

Keywords:.