A compound found in pomegranates may help reduce memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients, according to a new study.
- Researchers have found that pomegranate can help improve memory and treat Alzheimer’s disease.
- In a study on mice, they noticed that urolithin A, a substance naturally found in pomegranates, eliminates damaged mitochondria present in the brain.
- Additional research is needed to confirm this result in humans.
Forgetting, confusion, difficulty finding words… Alzheimer’s disease impacts memory. But these symptoms could be reduced thanks to a fruit that we know well: the pomegranate. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that these red berries harbor a substance called urolithin A which is beneficial for memory.
Their study was published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Alzheimer’s: urolithin A eliminates damaged mitochondria
After discovering that a molecule known as nicotinamide riboside (NAD) played a key role in neurodegenerative pathologies like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, by helping to eliminate damaged mitochondria that accumulate in the brain and affect brain function, Danish researchers wanted to determine whether urolithin A, present in pomegranate, had the same effect.
The team then gave this natural substance every day to mice suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They were then subjected to olfactory, object recognition and even orientation tests in order to assess their cognitive and memory abilities.
The results show that the pomegranate compound eliminates poorly functioning mitochondria just as effectively as a nicotinamide riboside supplement. Urolithin A thus manages to alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia, according to scientists.
Pomegranate and Alzheimer’s: the dosage remains to be determined
Vilhelm Bohr, affiliated professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen and author of the study, acknowledges that there remain gray areas about the compound and its use in relieving symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s.
“We still can’t say anything conclusive about the dosage. But I imagine it’s more than one pomegranate per day. However, the substance is already available in pill form and we are currently trying to find the right dosage.”explains the expert in a communicated.
He adds that urolithin A presents an asset for the medical world. “The advantage of working with a natural substance is the reduced risk of side effects. So far, several studies show that there are no serious side effects from NAD supplementation.”
He acknowledges, however, that additional work is needed to confirm his data.
“If we want to eat something to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, which we talk about a lot, we need to make sure there are no significant side effects.”