Can Common Household Herbs Improve Memory?
A chemical called apigenin, which is found in thyme, rosemary, chamomile, and other household herbs, is able to strengthen brain cells crucial for brain function, memory, and learning, according to new research.
Previous studies that explore how other flavonoids impact stem cells show that flavonoids positively affect memory and learning. The new study is the first to test flavonoids directly on human cells and the first to demonstrate the mechanism behind this association.
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To conduct their study, researchers applied apigenin to human stem cells. After 25 days, the stem cells changed into neurons—a process only possible with apigenin. In addition, researchers found that the new neurons were stronger and more sophisticated than untreated neurons.
"Strong connections between neurons are crucial for good brain function, memory consolidation, and learning," researchers concluded.
This finding might lead to the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.
"We show a new path for new studies with this substance. Moreover, flavonoids are present at high amounts in some foods and we can speculate that a diet rich in flavonoids may influence the formation of neurons and the way they communicate within the brain."
—Amanda Balbi
Reference:
Souza CS, Paulsen BS, Devalle S, et al. Commitment of human pluripotent stem cells to a neural lineage is induced by the pro-estrogenic flavonoid apigenin. Advances in Regenerative Biology. Published online December 10, 2015. http://www.regenerativebiology.net/index.php/arb/article/view/29244.