Chemical In Curry For Alzheimer's

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FINDINGS: Scientists isolated bisdemethoxycurcumin, the active ingredient of curcuminoids a natural substance found in turmeric root that may help boost the immune system in clearing amyloid beta, a peptide that forms the plaques found in Alzheimers disease. Using blood samples from Alzheimers disease patients, scientists observed that bisdemethoxycurcumin boosted immune cells called macrophages to clear amyloid beta. In addition, scientists identified the immune genes linked to this activity.

IMPACT: The study provides more insight into the role of the immune system in Alzheimers disease and points to a new therapy approach. Scientists say that it may be possible to test a patients immune response with a blood sample in order to individualize therapy. The genes involved in the process, called MGAT III and Toll-like receptors, are also responsible for many other key functions in the immune system. The results also suggest a new drug development approach for the disease that differs from the amyloid-beta vaccine. The new approach relies on the innate immune system, which is present at birth rather than on antibodies produced by B cells, which is a later developed part of the active immune system.


Posted by: Daniel    Source