Nutraceuticals for Cognitive Function

What is Cognitive Dysfunction?

Cognition is the process in which the human brain accepts external information, processes it, and converts it into internal psychological activities, thereby acquiring knowledge or applying knowledge. It includes aspects such as memory, language, visual space, execution, calculation and understanding judgment.

Different parts of the brain control different functions, but impairment of any one of these cognitive functions can negatively affect all of them. Because most neurological disorders—including stroke, injury, tumor, or event treatment—can lead to disruption in one or more of these categories, some degree of cognitive impairment follows any neurological event.

The nutraceuticals provided by Protheragen are mainly used as adjunctive therapy in cognitive dysfunction. A summary of the most commonly used nutraceuticals that are beneficial for different neurological disorders is shown in the figure.[1]

Nutraceuticals for Ameliorating Neurodegeneration

Overview

Neurodegenerative diseases are primarily caused by protein misfolding. Nutraceuticals tend to alter cellular and molecular cascades and can prevent neurodegeneration by targeting proteins that are misfolded at virtually all levels, as complementary therapies.

Active ingredients in nutraceuticals

• Saponin derivatives (e.g., bacoside A, bacoside B) – are very effective against stress-mediated neurodegeneration.
• Quercetin and Kaempferol – mainly obtained from Ginkgo biloba extract, used to prevent and treat cognitive impairment.
• Steroidal alkaloids (e.g., withanine) – with high antioxidant potential, may be used to improve oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration.
• Asiatic Acid – responsible for neuroprotective effects, used to enhance memory and also help improve learning.

Nutraceuticals for Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

Overview

AD is the most common form of memory loss. Nutraceuticals to help manage AD include super-essential antioxidants.

Active ingredients in nutraceuticals

• Flavonoids - have neuromodulatory effects.
• Carotenoids - have antioxidant activity and neuroprotective properties.
• Crocin - has potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
• Luteolin - has significant neuroprotective activity.

Nutraceuticals for Parkinson's Disease

Overview

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder in which dopaminergic neurons are damaged, resulting in a dramatic depletion of dopamine. Natural products play a beneficial role in PD by attenuating the different pathological pathways that induce it.

Active ingredients in nutraceuticals

• Vitamins – including vitamin B3, vitamin B9 or folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and fish oil - effective for PD management.
• Polyphenols - have multidimensional signatures against PD pathology.
• Lycopene - Antioxidant and neuroprotective, increases dopamine levels.

Nutraceuticals for Depression and Mental Disorders

Overview

Nutraceuticals enhance neuroprotection by enhancing inhibitory reuptake of monoamines and exhibiting neurobiological effects, commonly including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.

Active ingredients in nutraceuticals

• Omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid - effective for unipolar depression.
• Vitamin D - mainly regulates the expression of genes encoding protein tyrosine hydroxylase.
• Others - include N-acetyl Cysteine, S-adenosyl Methionine, L-Tryptophan/5-HTP, St. John's Wort, etc.

Reference

1. Rashita Makkar. (2020). "Nutraceuticals in Neurological Disorders," Int. J. Mol. Sci. 21(12), 4424.

※ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.