Grape Seed Extract May Improve Cognitive Health
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In a new animal and in vitro experiment, grape seed extract stopped the build up of beta-amyloid plaques that are linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
When beta-amyloid deposits accumulate in the brain, causing plaque to build up, brain cells can become damaged and die from the resulting oxidative stress. This is related to a loss of cognitive function and an increased risk of Alzheimer”s.
First, the researchers of the current two-part study conducted an in vitro experiment to determine whether grape seed extract could inhibit beta-amyloid in a cell culture setting. During this in vitro experiment, they found that the grape seed extract significantly inhibited the beta-amyloid deposits.
Next the researchers used a mouse model of Alzheimer”s disease. They administered grape seed to the mice orally and found that it significantly reduced the cognitive decline in these animals. Furthermore, the grape seed extract decreased the amount of beta-amyloid proteins in the animals’ brains.
The researchers concluded, “Our study suggests that grape seed-derived polyphenolics may be useful agents to prevent or treat AD.”
Reference:
Wang J, Ho L, Zhao W, Ono K, Rosensweig C, Chen L, Humala N, Teplow DB, Pasinetti GM. Grape-derived polyphenolics prevent Abeta oligomerization and attenuate cognitive deterioration in a mouse model of Alzheimer”s disease. J Neurosci. 2008 Jun 18;28(25):6388-92.