A little parsley, thyme, chamomile … the possibilities are many and the positive effects, too. Aromatic plants or herbs present a substance called apigenin that triggers the formation of neurons and increases brain connections , according to the latest study developed by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and published in the journal Advances in Regenerative Biology.
The work suggests that apigenin is a very promising substance in the treatment of numerous neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or even schizophrenia.
To reach this conclusion, the experts wanted to find out how apigenin affected neurons; To do this, they applied apigenin to human stem cells in the laboratory. After 25 days, the cells had transformed into neurons , an effect not seen in stem cells without this substance. In addition, they found that the connections between the newly formed neurons, the synapse, were much stronger and more sophisticated than usual – a key requirement for proper brain function and consolidation of memory and learning.
The process occurred because apigenin increased the formation of neurons and connections by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), which influence the development, progression, function and plasticity of the nervous system.
Because estrogen-based therapy increases the risk of tumor growth and cardiovascular problems , the researchers propose the following: “An alternative approach would be to mimic the positive estrogen effects by modulating specific environmental demands with other estrogenic compounds, such as some flavonoids classified as selective ER modulators ”, explains Stevens Rehen of the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) and leader of the study.
Be that as it may, the experts suggest that their conclusions open the possibility of a strategy to improve our brain in a simple and accessible way through the intake of foods rich in these flavonoids such as fruits and vegetables, such as parsley, onion, celery , tea or grapefruit.
