Scientists Discover Secret Brain Booster in Coffee
A new study has found that trigonelline (TG), a natural compound found in coffee and certain vegetables, significantly improves spatial learning and memory in aged mice. Research indicates that TG modifies key molecular pathways and reduces neuroinflammation, highlighting its potential in combating age-related cognitive decline.
Recent research has increasingly focused on discovering natural compounds that can counteract age-related cognitive decline and promote healthy aging. Trigonelline (TG), a plant alkaloid found in coffee, fenugreek seeds, and radish, has been suggested as a candidate for improving cognitive abilities.
In a new study, researchers led by the University of Tsukuba investigated the effects of TG on memory and spatial learning (acquiring, retaining, structuring and applying information related to the surrounding physical environment) of a both cognitive and molecular point of view. manner using a mouse model prone to accelerated senescence 8 (SAMP8).
Study results
After oral administration of TG to SAMP8 mice for 30 days, the Morris water maze test indicated significant improvement in spatial learning and memory performance compared to SAMP8 mice that did not receive TG.
Next, the researchers performed whole-genome transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampus to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. They found that signaling pathways related to nervous system development, mitochondrial function, ATP synthesis, inflammation, autophagy and neurotransmitter release were significantly modulated in the group TG.
Molecular insights and conclusions
Furthermore, the research team found that TG suppressed neuroinflammation by negatively regulating the signaling factor Traf6-mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-κB.
Furthermore, quantitative protein analysis confirmed that the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased and the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin were significantly increased in the hippocampus.
These results suggest the effectiveness of TG in preventing and improving age-related spatial learning memory disorders.
Reference: “Transcriptomic and biochemical evidence for trigonelline improving learning and memory decline in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and increasing neurotransmitter release” by Sharmin Aktar, Farhana Ferdousi, Shinji Kondo, Tamami Kagawa and Hiroko Isoda. , September 18, 2023, GeroScience.
DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00919-x
This work was supported by DyDo DRINCO and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST grant number JPMJPF2017).
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