An extract derived from pineapple stem may potentially improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease generally characterized by gradual memory loss due to increased levels of amyloid-beta protein in the brain. Researchers at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab noted that the current treatment is not effective in managing the long-term effects of Alzheimer's disease on patients' quality of life.
The study, recently published in the journal NeuroToxicology, found that the compound bromelain could improve Alzheimer's disease-related behavior symptoms in mice. The behavior symptoms were supported by the results of biochemical and histopathological -- microscopic examination of tissue -- studies, the researchers said.
Biochemical studies included evaluation of activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that regulates neurotransmission and antioxidant parameters in mice brains which were significantly improved by the treatment with bromelain.
"The histopathological analysis also suggested amelioration of structures of mouse brain neurons by treatment with bromelain. All these results suggested the possible potential of bromelain for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease,'' said study corresponding author Navneet Khurana, Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Science, LPU.
Source: devdiscourse.com