Ayurveda Offers New Hope for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment.
Kolkata:
A groundbreaking study has provided new hope for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, and other related neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers at the Bose Institute in Kolkata, in collaboration with various institutions, have identified a promising approach that combines modern science with traditional Ayurvedic medicine to target the root causes of these diseases.
Amyloid proteins, particularly amyloid beta (Aβ), are known to play a central role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and similar neurodegenerative conditions. The study, led by Professor Anirban Bhunia and his team, explored two innovative strategies to combat the aggregation of amyloid beta. One approach involved the use of synthetically designed small molecules, while the other repurposed Lasunadya Ghrita (LG), an Ayurvedic remedy traditionally used for treating depression-related mental illnesses.
The team focused on the non-toxic compounds of LG and their ability to counteract amyloid beta aggregation. The water extract of these compounds, known as LGWE, was shown to disrupt the fibrillation process, preventing the formation of toxic amyloid aggregates. Remarkably, LGWE demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the synthetic peptides, breaking down amyloid proteins into smaller, non-toxic, and degradable molecules.
The results of the study were recently published in the journal Biochemistry (ACS), with findings showing that the peptides, both synthetic and Ayurvedic, were non-toxic and stable in serum. These peptides proved effective in inhibiting amyloid aggregation, particularly Aβ 40/42, and promoting the breakdown of amyloid plaques. Additionally, in collaboration with Ayurveda expert Professor Dr. Sanjeev Rastogi from Lucknow University, the team demonstrated that the natural Ayurvedic compounds had a stronger effect on amyloid beta inhibition and disaggregation than the chemically designed peptides. These findings were also published in Biophysical Chemistry (Elsevier).
This pioneering research opens up new avenues for Alzheimer’s treatment, showcasing the potential of Ayurveda as a complementary therapeutic approach to tackling complex neurodegenerative diseases. It offers hope to millions of individuals suffering from dementia and inspires further exploration into the therapeutic properties of natural remedies in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions.
