For years, it’s seemed like nothing has stopped people from getting Alzheimer’s disease–statistics even say it’s expected to triple in the near future. Surprisingly, though, new research presented at Neuroscience 2013, a science conference, says there may be a potential new treatment on the way–a special extract made from rosemary and spearmint.
Susan Farr, Ph.D., a research professor of geriatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, made the new treatment by drawing out antioxidants from spearmint and rosemary leaves.
“We found that these proprietary compounds reduce deficits caused by mild cognitive impairment, which can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease,” says Farr. “This probably means eating spearmint and rosemary is good for you. However, our experiments were in an animal model and I don’t know how much–or if any amount–of these herbs people would have to consume for learning and memory to improve. In other words, I’m not suggesting that people chew more gum at this point.”
However, she does believe that in the future it may be beneficial for those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease–though further testing is needed.
Details of the Study
Examining the effects of certain extracts on mice, Farr and her team of researchers created the new treatment by drawing out an antioxidant ingredient from spearmint, a type of mint commonly used to flavor gum. In turn, they also drew out other extracts from rosemary leaves. Mixing the two together, they then tested it on mice shown to be suffering from age-related memory loss.
As a result, Farr found that one of the rosemary extracts was the most effective at improving their memories, which she tested by running them through three behavior tests. The other rosemary extract also helped improved their memory, though it only helped improve their performance through two behavior tests.
In addition, the mice showed fewer signs of oxidative stress–a sign that memory loss is increasing.
“Our research suggests these extracts made from herbs might have beneficial effects on altering the course of age-associated cognitive decline,” says Farr. “It’s worth additional study.”
So What Does This Mean For You?
While Farr discovered that these extracts may slow down the rate of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease in mice, does this mean loading up on spearmint and rosemary leaves will keep you safe?
No, say experts, and even Farr agrees that chewing on spearmint probably won’t give you a smarter brain. But the level of antioxidants found in this formula may provide clues to maximizing your protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
“Oxidative stress and neuronal energy depletion are characteristic hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopath and founder of Mercola.com. “It has been hypothesized that, because of this, pro-energetic and antioxidant drugs such as alpha-lipoic acid might delay the onset or slow down the progression of the disease.”
Your best bet? Cosnider adding more antioxiant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to your diet as a way to lessen your risk of memory loss in the future.
Readers: Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?
Sources:
Natural Ways to Stop Alzheimer’s Disease – Mercola.com
Study: Plant Oil Extract Slows Memory Loss in Mice – SLU.edu
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