Plants help boost brain connections

Flavonoids are the rock stars of the plant ingredient world. You can turn around without tripping over a new study telling you how these antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compounds are good for your heart, your mind, and possibly even your relationship. Now a new study has shown that one particular flavonoid called apigenin, richly supplied in parsley, thyme, chamomile, and red capsicum, can improve the nature of the connections between neurons in your brain.

One particular flavonoid called apigenin, richly supplied in parsley, thyme, chamomile, and red capsicum, can improve the nature of the connections between neurons in your brain.

In the study researchers found that by applying apigenin to human stem cells in a dish they became neurons after 25 days. This was an effect that did not occur without apigenin being present. Additionally, the neurons that were formed made stronger and more sophisticated connections between themselves after being exposed to apigenin. It is the connections between neurons that form the basis of brain function, memory formation, and learning.

The research also revealed how apigenin has these effects.

Apigenin binds to oestrogen receptors on neurons and by activating these receptors impacts development, maturation, function, and plasticity of the nervous system. We know that oestrogen hormones delay the onset of neurodegenerative problems like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The problem with oestrogen therapies though is that they increase the risk of oestrogen dependent tumours.

The researchers say that a diet rich in flavonoids, and especially apigenin, may favourably influence neuron formation and how neurons talk to each other.