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THE ALCHEMIC HEALTH BLOG

All Nootropics
December 3, 2020

Nootropics: Brain Restorative Properties of Plant Flavonoid 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone

Cognitive impairment is something no one wants to go through, but we will all suffer from it at some stage in our lives. There are many reasons why one would start to suffer cognitive decline, but a major contributing factor is synaptic loss. The synapses are the junctions between neurons where chemical information is exchanged. Sensory, motor and cognitive impairments are associated with the increased destruction of synapses, which can lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as major depressive disorder, Huntington disease, schizophrenia, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been detected in those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. This important brain protein promotes the survival of neurons as it plays a role in the growth, maturation and maintenance of brain cells. BNDF serves as a neurotransmitter modulator and participates in neuronal plasticity, making it essential for learning and memory(1). It binds to its high affinity receptor TrkB (tyrosine kinase B), where its activation signals transduction cascades (IRs1/2, PI3K, Akt), crucial for CREB and CBP production, which encode proteins involved in β cell survival. Similar to insulin-like growth factor 1, BNDF has downstream signaling mechanisms incorporating both p-CAMK and MAPK that increase the expression if pro-survival genes(1). This signaling through TrkB receptor plays a central role in promoting synaptic transmission, synaptogenesis and facilitating synaptic plasticity, making it an attractive candidate for targeted therapies(3). BNDF is vital for optimal brain health and functionality, but as we age the expression of this protein decreases, further leading to cognitive decline and neurological diseases. Although through increasing BNDF signaling, pre-clinical studies demonstrate that this may be a potent way to prevent, arrest and even reverse abnormal neurodevelopmental disorders(4).

Recent studies into 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8 DHF), a small TrkB agonist that mimics BNDF function, has shown similar effects as BNDF in promoting neuronal survival and regeneration following traumatic brain injury(2). 7,8 DHF is a naturally occurring plant flavonoid that has a longer half-life in comparison to BNDF, as well as being much smaller in molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier(2). It has been found to decrease cortical Aβ plaque deposition and protect cortical neurons against reduced dendritic arbor complexity, but has no impact on the density of dendritic spines. In addition to this it also protects against hippocampal increase in the level of choline-containing compounds and glutamate loss(3). 7,8 DHF promotes axon regeneration, inhibits the loss of hippocampal synapses, restores synapse number and synaptic plasticity, which prevents memory deficits(5)(8).

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Research has demonstrated a link between HD and reduced levels of striatal BNDF with an imbalance between its TrkB receptors and p75(NTR)(6). Thus, molecules with activity on the BNDF/TrkB/p75 system can potentially have therapeutic effects. After chronic 7,8 DHF administration, analyses revealed improved striatal levels of enkephalin, prevention of striatal volume loss, TrkBY816 phosphorylation recovery in striatum, normalized striatal levels of induced and neuronal nitric oxide synthase while ameliorating the imbalance of p75/TrkB(6). This supports its potential therapeutic role in those suffering with HD and other neurological ailments.

7,8 DHF has shown to protect people suffering from severe stress and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after being exposed to a traumatic situation; this is characterized by cognitive deficits which include impaired explicit memory. 7,8 DHF significantly reverted spatial memory impairment and the increased long-term potentiation, supporting the idea that the activation of BNDF/TrkB pathway fulfills a protective role(7). When 7,8 DHF was taken alongside exercise, it has shown to improve brain function in those with traumatic brain injury. This combination enhances hippocampal functional connectivity, promoting enhanced levels of cell metabolism, synaptic plasticity and increases brain circuit function that facilitates greater rehabilitation after TBI(9).

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the destruction of dopamine producing neurons within part of the midbrain called substantia nigra. Studies show 7,8 DHF has potent neuroprotective effects through the activation of TrkB, which significantly improves dopamine-mediated behaviours and prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra(10).

Due to the suspected low-water solubility, chemical instability, and poor bioavailability of 7,8 DHF, further research is on the way into increasing its absorption, thus potentially increasing its therapeutic effects. To overcome this, scientists fabricate stable 7,8 DHF loaded zein/lactoferrin composite nanoparticles which increases the chemical stability, water solubility and bioaccessibility(11). 7,8 DHF has an array of positive effects on numerous conditions and diseases, which warrants great interest in this natural compound. Even with its poor bioavailability, it still has noticeable cognitive enhancing effects and would work well in anyone’s nootropic stack to increase the brains overall health and functionality, warding off age related cognitive disorders.

Written by Luke Pavasovic
Director and Naturopath at Alchemic Health
facebook.com/alchemichealth
www.alchemichealth.com

References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4697050/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319242/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29510124/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26220903/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3895241/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28541476/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27068341/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24043773/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28315455/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27019033/
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813019401244

September 12, 2020

A Tool For Stronger Memory

Memory is everything, when you can remember experiences in life that shape who you are or even just being able to recall information easier, then it gives us a sense of confidence and understanding of ourselves. I often see people lacking in their ability to remember information clearly and witness how crippling it can be for someone’s self-esteem, confidence and pride in who they are or what they know.

For me building the foundations of a good memory is vital. I love the ability to be able to recite vast amounts of information fluidly, it gives me joy to witness my memory recall working in optimal condition. Everyone has this capability but most of us do not incorporate the right nutrients or lifestyle factors for having a great memory.

I want to bring your attention to one of my favourite herbs Bacopa monneri (BM), also known as Brahmi. I take it consistently to support my memory, stablise my mood and increase my brain’s overall cognitive health. BM is a well-known Ayurvedic herbal medicine that has been used for centuries. It is categorised as an apoptogenic herb (helping the brain dealing with stress), provides anxiolytic effects (anti-anxiety), as well as a nootropic (substance used to enhance memory or other cognitive functions) and there is an abundance of studies that demonstrate its amazing capabilities in enhancing and protecting the brain.

Studies show that BM has free radical scavenging mechanisms and protects cells in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum against cytotoxicity and DNA damage(1). It also reduces lipoxygenase activity reducing lipid peroxidation, increases master antioxidant glutathione peroxidase and chelates iron(1). The administration of BM protects cholinergic neurons, modulates neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine), reduces anticholinesterase (an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, allowing an increase of this neurotransmitter which is used for thoughts, memory and more), reduces deposits of β-amyloid in the hippocampus (β-amyloid is a protein known to cause Alzheimer’s disease) and also decreases stress-induced hippocampal damage(1). These neuroprotective effects are primarily due to nitric oxide-mediated cerebral vasodilation(1). There is also evidence for its potential in helping those suffering from dementia, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy(2).

BM has shown to improve the total memory score and maximum improvements are seen in logical memory and paired associated learning, whilst being able to reversed aspects of memory impairment(3). Further investigations have proven that BM can improve attention, cognitive processing and working memory partly via suppression of anticholinesterase activity(4). Through neuro-molecular mechanisms, it encourages synaptogenesis (connection of brain cells), and could theoretically enhance and strengthen synaptic changes(5). This will benefit people in all stages of life, especially those suffering from age associated cognitive decline.

So if you are someone who wants to build a stronger memory and sustain that higher cognitive ability over your lifetime, then I suggest the consumption of BM. Even if you think you are not suffering from any cognitive decline, I am sure this herb will help improve it nonetheless along with its ability to lower stress and stablise mood through its anxiolytic effects. BM needs to be taken continuously for 8-12 weeks for cognitive benefits to be achieved, but upon initial consumption people will notice its anti-anxiety and stress relieving effects within the first 1-2 weeks. Dosage is between 150mg-500mg per day depending on the extract and your needs, please note there is possibly of GIT upset in higher doses.


Cognitive enhancement is another passion for me alongside longevity. I love the field of neuroscience, understanding the brain and consciousness. I believe that through increasing our mental health, by achieving good emotional and cognitive levels, we are much happier and can manifest positive things into our life at a greater rate. When our mind is in order, our body and health will respond by following that notion.

Written by Luke Pavasovic
Director and Naturopath at Alchemic Health
facebook.com/alchemichealth
www.alchemichealth.com

References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448442/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746283/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448442/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3537209/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27692172/


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