Research from the University of California Irvine (UC Irvine) reveals that a compound found in green tea, when combined with a common vitamin, may help combat the buildup of waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The study focuses on epigallocatechin gallate, a powerful antioxidant, and nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that is naturally produced in the body from niacin-rich foods like fish, nuts, and eggs. This discovery suggests that dietary changes could play a significant role in addressing cognitive decline associated with aging.
The findings indicate that these readily available compounds can enhance brain health by supporting energy systems crucial for cellular cleanup. Biomedical engineer Gregory Brewer stated, “By supplementing the brain’s energy systems with compounds that are already available as dietary supplements, we may have a new path toward treating age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.”
In laboratory tests involving cultured mouse neurons, epigallocatechin gallate and nicotinamide were shown to elevate levels of guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an energy molecule essential for the removal of dead cells in the brain. A deficiency of GTP has been associated with the development of Alzheimer’s in aging populations. The study highlights how neurons boosted with GTP can effectively eliminate toxic clumps of amyloid beta proteins, which are known contributors to Alzheimer’s progression.
The research also underscores the age-related decline in GTP levels, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The authors speculate that the combination of epigallocatechin gallate and nicotinamide could restore GTP levels to those observed in younger brain cells. “This study highlights GTP as a previously underappreciated energy source driving vital brain functions,” Brewer added.
Earlier research linked increased consumption of green tea to a reduction in white matter lesions in the brain, which is associated with a lower risk of dementia, although causation was not firmly established. Additionally, nicotinamide has been noted for its potential protective effects on neurons following strokes and during neurodegeneration.
While these findings are promising, it is important to recognize that they have only been tested in vitro on mouse cells. Brewer cautioned, “As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components. We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function.”
The results of this significant study have been published in the journal GeroScience. Future research will be necessary to explore the practical applications of these findings and to determine their effectiveness in human subjects. The potential for using accessible dietary supplements as a means to bolster cognitive health offers an exciting avenue for further investigation into Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.
