All posts tagged: Neuroprotective

Flavonoids and Other Herbal Compounds in Anhua Tea Provide Neuroprotective Effects

Neuroprotective effect of catechins derivatives isolated from Anhua dark tea on NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

In Summary

Researchers have found that catechins and flavonoids found in Anhua tea provide neuroprotective effects against NDMA-induced excitotoxicity. NDMA receptors are part of the glutaminergic system; glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the human nervous system. During dysregulation of the glutaminergic system, an excess of glutamate can cause excitotoxicity which can lead to brain injury and cell apoptosis. The compiled data suggests that at least one of the naturally occurring compounds in Anhua tea is effective at protecting against NMDA-induced brain injury and cell apoptosis when given as a dietary supplement. 

This research may prove beneficial for developing preventative therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stroke, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Anhua tea has been used in eastern medicine for centuries and like other herbal compounds in eastern medicine, has recently been featured in modern research. Considering the myriad of potential therapies that have been suggested due to the recently found medical benefits of herbal medicine, westerners should begin taking advantage of flavonoids and the like compounds that have been booming in Chinese medicine. Flavonoids and terpenes are two categories of naturally occurring compounds that have, so far, shown promise as novel therapies for treatment-resistant ailments, yet are still incredibly under-researched. Explore more of our blog to find out what other medical benefits can be provided by flavonoids and terpenes. 

The study is available for review or download here

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive 

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Benjamin Caplan, MDFlavonoids and Other Herbal Compounds in Anhua Tea Provide Neuroprotective Effects
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The Dietary Flavonoid, Luteolin, Negatively Affects Neuronal Differentiation

In Summary:

The Importance of Chemical Structure: Functional Groups of Flavonoids

A recent study has revealed the detrimental effects of the flavonoid luteolin on neuronal differentiation in embryonic stem cells. Luteolin is a dietary flavonoid that has been researched due to its anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions and is now being looked into for its supposed neuroprotective qualities. This study found that although luteolin does have some neuroprotective benefits it also has harmful side effects on neuronal development.  Apigenin is a similar flavonoid that also has neuroprotective qualities but does not disrupt differentiation, emphasizing how slight differences in chemical structure can change the effects of a flavonoid. 



image of The Dietary Flavonoid, Luteolin, Negatively Affecting Neuronal Differentiation
images of Luteolin Negatively Affecting Neuronal Differentiation

View this review (yellow link) or download:

This paper can be reviewed HERE or in the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Dietary Flavonoid, Luteolin, Negatively Affects Neuronal Differentiation
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