(26-10-10) Plant, herb compound prevents brain inflammation

by Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Age-related brain illnesses like Alzheimer's disease are
devastating, but there are many ways in which individuals can help thwart their
onset. According to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition,
luteolin, a nutrient found in various vegetables and herbs, reduces
inflammation in the brain responsible for causing memory and cognitive
dysfunction.

At the first sign of an infection, immune responders in the brain and spinal
cord known as microglial cells normally begin to produce signaling molecules
called cytokines that generate an inflammatory response to deal with the
problem. But as people age, the microglial cells begin to degrade in function,
leading to excessive cytokine production and corresponding brain damage.

"We found previously that during normal aging, microglial cells become
dysregulated and begin producing excessive levels of inflammatory cytokines,"
explained Rodney Johnson, professor of animal sciences at the University of
Illinois (UI) and author of the study. "We think this contributes to cognitive
aging and is a predisposing factor for the development of neurodegenerative
diseases."

But luteolin -- which is found in foods like carrots, peppers, celery,
peppermint, rosemary, chamomile, and olive oil -- effectively produce a natural
anti-inflammatory effect that stops the errant microglial cells from causing
damage. Even during otherwise normal microglial function, luteolin helps to
protect cell neurons from damage as well.

"The neurons survived because the luteolin inhibited the production of
neurotoxic inflammatory mediators," explained Johnson.

For the study, the team compared two groups of mice, one of which was fed
luteolin. Aged mice taking luteolin performed better in learning and memory
tests than did their non-supplemented peers, and the cytokine levels in the
brains of mice in the luteolin group were comparable to those of much younger
mice.

"When we provided the old mice luteolin in the diet it reduced inflammation in
the brain and at the same time restored working memory to what was seen in
young cohorts," Johnson said.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.news.illinois.edu/news/1...

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