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31.10.2022

Ginkgo and DHA combination may protect against Alzheimer's | Animal study

Supplementation with both Ginkgo biloba and omega-3 fatty acids may slow the development of Alzheimer's disease. This is suggested by an Egyptian animal study published in 2021 in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy.

Study
Egyptian researchers at Alexandria University experimented with three groups of mice for 90 days. A group of laboratory animals was not given any bioactive substances. This was the control group. [G1]

Another group was given a cocktail of substances that damage brain cells in a manner similar to the havoc Alzheimer's disease wreaks in brain tissue. [G2]

A third group of mice received the same Alzheimer's cocktail, but also received a combination of the Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 and DHA. [G3]

Results
The mice that had been treated with aluminum and galactose [AD model], when they tried to find their way in a simple maze [worded way to simplified, we are fully aware] made more mistakes than healthy mice [Control].

However, in mice that had not only been given the Alzheimer's cocktail, but also a combination of Ginkgo biloba extract and DHA [DHA + EGb761], cognitive abilities remained largely intact.

Mechanism
The Alzheimer cocktail reduced the activity of the enzyme protein phosphatase 2 [PP2A] in the hippocampus, an organ in the brain that plays a key role in learning and remembering, is damaged in Alzheimer's disease. PP2A plays a role in the growth and development of brain cells. Supplementation with Ginkgo biloba and DHA restored the activity of PP2A.

In the hippocampus, the Alzheimer cocktail increased the activity of the inflammatory factor TNF-alpa. This means the immune system breaks down cells. Supplementation with the combination of Ginkgo and DHA normalized the activity of TNF-alpa.

Click on the figure below for a larger version.

Conclusion
"The applied treatment enhanced neuronal survival and cognitive functions", write the researchers.

"Moreover, the noticeable upregulation of PP2A suggest a possible stabilization of microtubules in Alzheimer's Disease mice through the dephosphorylation of Tau proteins. The dowregulated TNF-alpha may also account for the restoration of neuronal death and hippocampal inflammation."

Source:
J Chem Neuroanat. 2021 Oct;116:101995.

More:
Older than 60? Supplementation with fish oil, Ginkgo and B vitamins protects your brain 12.01.2019
Elderly fish eaters have better brains 20.02.2017
Combination of B vitamins and fish oil reduces age-related brain atrophy 21.07.2015

Archives:
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Brain Boosters
Ginkgo biloba

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