Extract from plants in Africa may help treat Alzheimer's disease

London researchers have discovered that a plant extract that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Nigeria could pave the way to creating new drugs to treat brain disorders, weakening memory. , typical perception is Alzheimer's disease.

Specifically, new research shows that extracts of leaves, stems and tubers of Carpolobia lutea can help protect pathogenic complications in the brain and it plays a role in the maintenance and rehabilitation of brain and nerve function. including memory, awareness or learning ability.

The team believes that extract from this plant could pave the way to making new medicines for patients without any side effects or being able to outperform current treatments.

"When we live longer, the number of people with dementia will rise to an alarming level," said lead researcher Dr. Wayne Carter from Nottingham University in the UK.

The Carpolobia tree, commonly known as cattle, is a small shrub native to Central and West Africa. Herb houses in Nigerian tribes use substances in its roots as an aphrodisiac and treat genetic infections, gingivitis and lumbago.

In patients with Alzheimer's disease and other diseases such as Parkinson's disease and body infarction, the activity of acetylcholine neurotransmitter decreases, leading to memory and concentration problems.

Researchers have found that the species Carpolobia lutea is highly effective in preventing decomposition of acetylcholine and also has different antioxidant properties in fighting free radicals - atoms are not good. It can damage cells and contribute to aging in Alzheimer's disease.

This study has just been published in Pharmaceutical Biology.