Synergistic Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects of Cocoa Seed Husk and Guarana Extract for Parkinson’s Disease
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 17, 2025 3 hours, 9 minutes ago
Medical News: A Natural Approach to Combating Parkinson’s Disease
A groundbreaking study has found that a combination of cocoa seed husk and guarana extract may help manage Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. The research, conducted by Brazilian scientists from multiple institutions, including the Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro Universitário da Serra Gaúcha, Universidade São Judas Tadeu, and the Samsung Research & Development Institute Brazil, highlights the potential of these natural compounds in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with PD.
Synergistic Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects of Cocoa Seed Husk and Guarana Extract for Parkinson’s Disease.
Image: Guarana Fruits
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. While current treatments focus on managing symptoms, researchers are actively seeking ways to slow or halt disease progression. This
Medical News report explores the latest findings on how a specific natural extract, called GuaCa, could be a promising nutraceutical for Parkinson’s patients.
The Science Behind GuaCa Extract
The study evaluated an aqueous extract combining cocoa seed husk and guarana seed powder, which was rich in flavonoids and polyphenols - powerful compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers produced 18 different extracts and selected one, known as HCE3, for further testing due to its high concentrations of catechins, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate.
To assess the extract’s effectiveness and safety, scientists conducted experiments on three biological models: Eisenia fetida earthworms, human neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with Parkinson’s disease. These models provided valuable insights into how GuaCa interacts with biological systems.
Key Findings from the Study
-Antioxidant and Genoprotective Effects
The study confirmed that the GuaCa extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity. In various laboratory tests, it significantly reduced oxidative stress, which is a key factor in Parkinson’s disease progression. Oxidative stress leads to cell damage and accelerates neurodegeneration, so the ability of GuaCa to neutralize harmful molecules is a promising discovery.
-Neurofunctional Benefits in Neuron-like Cells
In SH-SY5Y human neuron-like cells, GuaCa increased cell viability, meaning it helped neurons survive better under stressful conditions. Additionally, it boosted levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential fo
r brain health and the survival of neurons. Lower BDNF levels are often seen in Parkinson’s patients, so increasing this protein could help protect brain function.
Another key finding was that GuaCa reduced mitochondrial damage by lowering extracellular levels of the NDUSF7 protein, which is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. Since mitochondria are the energy centers of cells, their dysfunction contributes significantly to the disease’s progression.
-Immunomodulatory Properties in Blood Cells
The extract also demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory effects in blood samples from Parkinson’s patients. GuaCa supplementation reduced levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine linked to neuroinflammation. Chronic inflammation is known to worsen neurodegenerative diseases, making this result particularly noteworthy.
Interestingly, PBMC cultures exposed to GuaCa showed reduced cellular debris and improved cell morphology, suggesting that the extract helps maintain overall cellular health.
Implications and Future Research
The study’s results suggest that GuaCa could serve as a functional dietary supplement for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. By targeting oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation - three key aspects of PD - this natural extract has the potential to complement existing treatments.
However, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed, particularly human clinical trials, to determine the full therapeutic potential of GuaCa. If future research confirms its benefits, this nutraceutical could be incorporated into dietary strategies for managing neurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusion
This study highlights the promising neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties of a cocoa seed husk and guarana extract. The findings suggest that this natural formulation could help mitigate key aspects of Parkinson’s disease, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. While further clinical studies are required, these initial results provide a strong foundation for exploring GuaCa as a potential nutraceutical intervention.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/3/348
For the latest on Herbs and Phytochemicals, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/exposure-to-influenza-viruses-h1n1-and-h3n2-increases-risk-of-parkinson-s-disease
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/artesunate-alleviates-parkinson-s-disease-by-targeting-brain-cells
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/repurposing-diabetes-drugs-for-parkinson-s-disease
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
Share
Tweet
Share
