Khaberni - A study conducted by scientists from the University of Oslo has shown that the compound "alpha-amyrin" found in passion fruit can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease thanks to its ability to protect vital processes in the brain.
The study revealed that "alpha-amyrin" prevents the accumulation of toxic proteins that damage nerve cells and supports the function of mitochondria, the "power stations" of cells, which are essential for normal brain functions.
Experiments conducted on lab mice with a model mimicking Alzheimer's showed that "alpha-amyrin" reduces the accumulation of harmful substances in the brain and significantly improves memory. The scientists also discovered that this compound can move from the bloodstream to the brain and remains in the body for a long period, making it a promising candidate for future pharmaceutical applications.
Researchers confirm that the compound “alpha-amyrin” is not only found in passion fruit but also in other fruits and vegetables, and the results they have obtained support the hypothesis that a diet rich in plant-based foods may be associated with a lower risk of dementia.
A Japanese study had also shown earlier that passion fruit extract has the ability to protect the cells of the retina from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is the main cause of age-related macular degeneration.
