INTRODUCTION
Danish scientists at the University of Copenhagen published a fantastic study on the reactions of various plant extracts within the central nervous system. The goal of their attempt was to examine the activity of these plant extracts on targets relevant to memory and cognitive health. There are many aspects thought to affect the progression of age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. Two striking cellular/molecular features of these processes are the death of cholinergic neurons and the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain.
THE STUDY
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme in the brain that breaks down acetylcholine. AChE activity turns down the strength of signals sent from cholinergic neurons. In a person who suffers from a loss of cholinergic neurons, blocking AChE activity might help restore the function of the remaining cholinergic neurons by lifting the AChE block on acetylcholine transmission.
Amyloid plaques are aberrant clumps of the protein amyloid-beta. These plaques and tangles are thought to be related to the neuronal cell death and subsequent memory loss in fading brains.
The scientists examined ethanolic extracts of thirty-five plants, including oregano, rosemary, wild olive, clove, lavender, sage, Melissa, and spearmint. These plant extracts were tested for their ability to prevent the formation of amyloid plaques using a thioflavin T fibrillation assay. They were also tested for their capability to inhibit AChE. The researchers discovered that caraway extract in particular “inhibited amyloid beta fibrillation considerably” and that nine other vegetation samples, including oregano and thyme, inhibited amyloid beta fibrillation as well, although to a lesser extent. They also found that “Five plan extracts from the family Corydalis inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase considerably.” And that clove and oregano also had inhibitory effects.
CONCLUSION
These astonishing conclusions reinforce a growing body of research, indicating that plants have fantastic possibilities to support a healthy mind and body. More studies examining the constituents of these extracts will help us understand how the essential oils of these plants may have similar health properties.