About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Garlic Reduces Aging-related Memory Problems

by Colleen Fleiss on April 23, 2019 at 2:19 AM
Garlic Reduces Aging-related Memory Problems

Eating garlic was found to help counteract age-related changes in the gut bacteria linked to memory problems, according to a new study conducted in mice. The benefit comes from allyl sulfide, a compound in garlic known for its health benefits.

"Our findings suggest that dietary administration of garlic containing allyl sulfide could help maintain healthy gut microorganisms and improve cognitive health in the elderly," said Jyotirmaya Behera, PhD, who lead the research team with Neetu Tyagi, PhD, both from University of Louisville.

Advertisement


Behera will present the research at the American Physiological Society's annual meeting during the 2019 Experimental Biology meeting to be held April 6-9 in Orlando, Fla.

The gut contains trillions of microorganisms collectively referred to as the gut microbiota. Although many studies have shown the importance of these microorganisms in maintaining human health, less is known about health effects linked to gut microbiota changes that come with age.
Advertisement

"The diversity of the gut microbiota is diminished in elderly people, a life stage when neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's develop and memory and cognitive abilities can decline," said Tyagi. "We want to better understand how changes in the gut microbiota relate to aging-associated cognitive decline."

For the study, the researchers gave oral allyl sulfide to mice that were 24 months old, which correlates to people between 56 and 69 years of age. They compared these mice with 4- and 24-month-old mice not receiving the dietary allyl sulfide supplement.

The researchers observed that the older mice receiving the garlic compound showed better long- and short-term memory and healthier gut bacteria than the older mice that didn't receive the treatment. Spatial memory was also impaired in the 24-month-old mice not receiving allyl sulfide.

Additional experiments revealed that reduced gene expression of neuronal-derived natriuretic factor (NDNF) in the brain was likely responsible for the cognitive decline. This gene was recently discovered by the University of Louisville researchers and is required for long-term and short-term memory consolidation.

The researchers found that mice receiving the garlic compound exhibited higher levels of NDNF gene expression. In addition, recombinant-NDNF protein therapy in the brain restored the cognitive abilities of the older mice that did not receive the garlic compound. The researchers also found that oral allyl sulfide administration produces hydrogen sulfide gas -- a messenger molecule that prevents intestinal inflammation -- in the gut lumen.

Overall, the new findings suggest that dietary allyl sulfide promotes memory consolidation by restoring gut bacteria. The researchers are continuing to conduct experiments aimed at better understanding the relationship between the gut microbiota and cognitive decline and are examining how garlic might be used as a treatment in the aging human population.

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Diet & Nutrition News

Science's Solutions to Beat a Hangover
New study shares scientific rescues from the post-party hangover blues after heavy alcohol consumption.
Saturated Fat Linked to Memory Impairment in Aging Brain
Study investigated the impact of a saturated fat-rich diet on brain signaling in older mice by studying a microglial function known as synaptic pruning.
Are Your Omega-3 Fish Oil Pills Healthy or Harmful?
Flavored omega-3 fatty acid supplements can conceal its rancidity, lowering its health benefits and obscuring health hazards.
The Coffee Alkaloid That Rewires Your Brain
Alkaloid extracted from coffee proves its mettle in enhancing cognitive abilities and counteracting age-related cognitive decline.
Therapeutic Effects of Ginger in Autoimmune Diseases
Fresh findings bolster the case for utilizing ginger supplements in the management of autoimmune disorders.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Garlic Reduces Aging-related Memory Problems Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests