TURMERIC-BASED DRUG COULD HELP REBUILD BRAIN AFTER STROKE

According to researchers in the United States (US), studies on animals have revealed  that a new hybrid drug, made in part from the chemical in turmeric, could help regenerate brain cells after a stroke. The molecular compound is made with curcumin, a natural yellow pigment that originates from a perennial herb called Curcuma longa, which has been in use in Indian foods since ancient times.  Scientist Paul Lapchak of Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre said that human trials on the drug, which works by restoring pathways that feed neurons, could begin soon. The new drug does not attack clots, but if administered to rabbits in one hour, which translates to three hours in human time, it “reduced stroke-caused ‘motor deficits’ – problems of muscle and movement control,” the study said. The hybrid compound, CNB-001, “crosses the blood-brain barrier, is quickly distributed in the brain, and moderates several critical mechanisms involved in neuronal survival,” Lapchak said. The spice by itself has proven problematic because it could not absorb well in the body or reach its target in high concentrations. It was also naturally blocked from entering the brain by the protective mechanism called the blood-brain barrier. Currently there is only one approved drug treatment for ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. Known as a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the drug is injected intravenously to dissolve clots and reinstate blood flow.

REFERENCES

1.    articles.mercola.com

2.    www.medinewsdirect.com

3.    www.emaxhealth.com

4.    www.naturalproductsinsider.com

5.    www.prohealth.com

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