Alzheimer’s can be prevented with cranberry extract

According to a study published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, extract from Vaccinium macrocarpon (the North American cranberry) can be used to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers involved in the study observed the effects of cranberry extract on Caenorhabditis elegans (roundworm).

• For the study, researchers used cranberry extract (CBE), which is full of polyphenols, to delay paralysis by minimizing beta-amyloid toxicity in the C. elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
• The study authors noted that to efficiently apply CBE as an anti-AD agent, they needed to confirm if either preventive or therapeutic effect contributed more CBE’s anti-AD activity.
• Both the level of beta-amyloid toxicity and memory health are major pathological parameters in AD. In the study, researchers compared the effects of CBE on beta-amyloid toxicity and memory health in the C. elegans AD model that were treated with both preventive and therapeutic protocols.
• Test results showed that CBE supplementation helped improve the memory of AD worms, unlike those that were given therapeutic treatment.

The study authors commented that based on the study results, long-term cranberry extract supplementation can be used to help prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Find the full text of study at this link.

You can read more articles about research findings on natural cures for Alzheimer’s disease at Alzheimers.news.

Journal Reference: 

Guo H, Dong YQ, Ye BP. CRANBERRY EXTRACT SUPPLEMENTATION EXERTS PREVENTIVE EFFECTS THROUGH ALLEVIATING A? TOXICITY IN CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS MODEL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. 2016;14(6):427–433. DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(16)30039-5