Certain compounds in aloe vera can help treat Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, a new study has found. Alzheimer’s affects a person's memory and is most common in people over the age of 65. As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe, and further symptoms can develop, such as problems with speed and language, and hallucinations.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but certain medications and therapies are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. These include cholinesterase inhibitors, which boost brain chemicals for mild-to-moderate stages.
While the drugs can lead to various side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, and a slow heart rate, a plant extract that is generally well-tolerated is offering hope for slowing the disease.
In the study published in the journalCurrent Pharmaceutical Analysis, researchers have discovered that beta-sitosterol - a natural compound with a structure that is similar to cholesterol - found naturally in aloe vera, strongly interacts with two key enzymes that are linked to memory loss and cognitive decline.
It makes the spongy plant a potential candidate for Alzheimer's treatment.
Beta-sitosterol is often concentrated in the gel of the aloe vera leaf, found in dietary supplements geared towards skin health and general wellness. Beta-sitosterol is also widely used as a supplement to lower cholesterol and to manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Aloe vera's natural plant extracts do not cause any side effects in treatment of Alzheimer's disease
The study focused on how plant compounds interact with key enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease. It is completely focused on two enzymes known asacetylcholinesteraseandbutyrylcholinesterase– both of which play an important role in breaking down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that helps nerve cells communicate.
In Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholine levels are already reduced, which contributes to memory loss and cognitive decline.
To understand the process, scientists used methods that rely on computer simulations rather than laboratory experiments. These methods allowed them to predict how molecules might behave inside the body before moving on to real-world testing. “Our findings suggest that Beta-sitosterol, one of the aloe vera compounds, exhibits significant binding affinities and stability, making it a promising candidate for further drug development,” said Meriem Khedraoui, the lead author of the study.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
