Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute in the US have made a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research with a compound derived from common herbs like rosemary and sage. The new compound, named diAcCA, has shown remarkable results in mice and could offer a natural, effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Herb-Based Compound Improves Memory in Mice
The research team developed diAcCA, a more stable version of carnosic acid, an antioxidant naturally found in rosemary and sage. Unlike regular carnosic acid, which has a short shelf life, diAcCA can be taken orally and is converted into carnosic acid in the stomach, making it far more efficient.
When tested on mice genetically modified to show Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, the results were encouraging. After three months of treatment, the mice displayed several positive changes, including:
- Improved learning and memory.
- Increased synaptic density, meaning more connections between brain cells.
- Reduced buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles—two key proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
These findings, published in the journal Antioxidants, highlight the importance of preserving synapses, which are essential for memory and cognitive function.
Better Delivery Method for Effective Treatment
Previous research has shown that carnosic acid has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its effectiveness was limited by its short shelf life. The new compound, diAcCA, solves this problem by enhancing the amount of active compound available to the body.
Researchers reported that the blood of treated mice contained 20% more active compound compared to those given traditional carnosic acid. This improved delivery method is essential for boosting the compound’s positive effects on the brain.
Prof. Stuart Lipton, one of the lead authors of the study, stated, “We did multiple memory tests, and they were all improved. And it didn’t just slow down the decline; it brought memory almost back to normal.”
The mice also tolerated the treatment well, showing no adverse effects during the study. This positive outcome suggests that diAcCA could be safe for human use, paving the way for future clinical trials.
A Ray of Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, responsible for 70% of all cases worldwide. In Europe alone, around 7 million people are affected, and that number is expected to double by 2030 due to an aging population.
This new approach using natural, plant-based compounds could be a game-changer. Unlike treatments that only target symptoms, diAcCA appears to tackle the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
Although more research and clinical trials are needed, scientists are hopeful that this discovery could offer a safer, more natural treatment option for millions of people struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.