(06-05-13) Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: beneficial properties of fruit

polyphenolic compounds1– 4

James A Joseph, Barbara Shukitt-Hale, and Gemma Casadesus

ABSTRACT
Despite elegant research involving molecular biology studies and determination of the genetic mechanisms of aging, practical infor- mation on how to forestall or reverse the deleterious effects of aging may be years away. If this is the case, then it is prudent to try to establish other methods that can be used now to alter the course of aging. Numerous epidemiologic studies have indicated that individ- uals who consume diets containing large amounts of fruits and veg- etables may reduce their risk for developing age-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease. Research from our laboratory suggested that dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants (eg, blueberry or spinach extracts) might decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs in aging. These reductions might be expressed as improvements in motor and cog- nitive behavior. Additional research suggested that mechanisms in addition to antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities might be involved in the beneficial effects of these extracts; the most impor- tant of these might be their ability to increase cellular signaling and neuronal communication.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81(suppl): 313S– 6S.

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