Herbs And Phytochemicals: Leaves Of Acorus Tatarinowii And Acorus Gramineus Can Be Used To Prevent Dementia

Herbs And Phytochemicals: In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Cerebro Pharma Inc., and NOMON Co., Ltd., have uncovered the hidden potential of the leaves of Acorus tatarinowii and Acorus gramineus in preventing dementia. While traditional Chinese medicine has long utilized the rhizomes of these plants to treat amnesia, their leaves have been overlooked and discarded. This Herbs And Phytochemicals research sheds light on the remarkable medicinal properties of these leaves and offers a promising, low-cost approach to dementia prevention.


Leaves Of Acorus Tatarinowii And Acorus Gramineus Can Be Used To Prevent Dementia.

The Rising Tide of Dementia
Dementia is a rapidly growing concern globally, with its prevalence increasing alongside the aging population. Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are the primary neurodegenerative diseases responsible for dementia. These conditions are marked by the accumulation of amyloidogenic proteins, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in AD, tau in FTD, and alpha-synuclein in DLB. These proteins form toxic oligomers that disrupt synaptic function and spread between cells, ultimately leading to neuron death and cognitive decline.
 
Early diagnosis and prevention are crucial, as the accumulation of these proteins begins decades before clinical symptoms appear. However, current presymptomatic diagnostic methods are lacking, and no safe, cost-effective preventive medications are available for long-term use by asymptomatic individuals. The complexity of the issue suggests that single-ingredient pharmaceuticals may not be sufficient, highlighting the potential of multi-ingredient dietary interventions.
 
Unveiling the Potential of Acorus Leaves
The genus Acorus includes plants with both medicinal rhizomes and overlooked leaves. Acorus tatarinowii rhizome (ATR) and Acorus gramineus rhizome (AGR) have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat amnesia. The leaves of these plants, Acorus tatarinowii leaf (ATL) and Acorus gramineus leaf (AGL), are typically discarded. This study aimed to explore the cognitive benefits of these leaves, hypothesizing that they might contain active ingredients similar to those found in the rhizomes.
 
Researchers discovered that the hot water extract of AGL significantly improved cognition and reduced tau pathology in Tau784 mice, a model of FTD. This effect was comparable to or even better than that of AGR. To identify the optimal processing method, three preparations from dried ATL were tested: hot water extract, extraction residue, and non-extracted simple crush powder. Remarkably, the simple crush powder showed the strongest effect on tauopathy in mice, suggesting that the decoction process might destroy some active components through heat and evaporation.
 
Broad Spectrum Efficacy
Further experiments revealed that the simple crush powder not only ameliorated ta u pathology but also reduced Aβ and alpha-synuclein pathologies in mouse models of AD and DLB, respectively. This preparation restored cognition in these models, indicating its broad efficacy across different types of dementia.
 
Component analysis showed that the concentrations of well-known cognitive enhancers like α-asarone, β-asarone, and eugenol were significantly lower in the leaves compared to the rhizomes and further reduced by hot water extraction. This suggests the presence of other active substances in the leaves that contribute to their medicinal effects.
 
Repairing Damaged Neurons
The study also explored the ability of ATL to repair neurons damaged by toxic oligomers. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), essential for neuron repair, was significantly restored by the simple crush powder but not by the hot water extract or extraction residue. This highlights the superior efficacy of the simple crush method in preserving and maximizing the active components of the leaves.
 
Implications for Dementia Prevention
The findings suggest that ATL and AGL leaves, previously discarded, have substantial potential as a dietary source for dementia prevention. The simple crushing method appears to be the most effective way to process these leaves, retaining their medicinal properties. This approach not only offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution but also aligns with the need for safe, long-term preventive measures against dementia.
 
Comparison with Other Nootropic Supplements
The concept of multi-ingredient diets for cognitive health is not new. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, unrefined grains, fish, and olive oil, has been shown to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, adhering to such a diet can be challenging. Nootropic supplements, such as Ginkgo biloba extract, have also been studied for their cognitive benefits. Ginkgo biloba extract contains terpenoids and flavonoids that improve blood flow and exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the dosage and duration required for significant benefits are often high.

In contrast, the simple crush powder of ATL/AGL offers a more accessible and potentially effective solution. The study demonstrated that this preparation could significantly improve cognitive function and reduce neuropathology in various mouse models of dementia at lower dosages and shorter durations compared to some other nootropic supplements.
 
Ensuring Safety and Efficacy
While the study's findings are promising, the safety of long-term consumption of ATL/AGL simple crush powder must be carefully evaluated. Previous studies have indicated possible toxicity of α- and β-asarone in chronic administration. Acorus plants contain over 160 compounds, some of which may be toxic at high concentrations. Therefore, thorough safety assessments and clinical trials are necessary before recommending these preparations for human use.
 
Conclusion
The research reveals the untapped potential of Acorus tatarinowii and Acorus gramineus leaves in dementia prevention. These leaves, once discarded, could become a valuable dietary source for preventing neurodegenerative diseases. The simple crush powder method maximizes their medicinal effects, offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and accessible solution. This discovery opens new avenues for developing multi-ingredient dietary interventions and highlights the importance of exploring traditional medicinal plants for modern health challenges.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1589
 
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