Common Houseplant May Be Key to Alzheimer's Combat

SadaNews - Recently, scientists revealed that the "aloe vera" plant, known for its skin soothing properties, may contain chemical compounds capable of affecting enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, opening the possibility for a new approach to delay the decline in cognitive abilities.

The research published in the journal "Current Pharmaceutical Analysis," as reported by Fox News, explained that "acetylcholine," a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps neurons communicate, decreases in Alzheimer’s patients, contributing to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Compounds of "aloe vera" and Brain Enzymes

Two enzymes in the brain, "cholinesterase" and "butyrylcholinesterase," play a significant role in breaking down "acetylcholine." Some medications work to slow these enzymes down to maintain the neurotransmitter, thereby improving symptoms in patients.

The researchers used computer simulations to study this interaction and predict the behavior of molecules within the body. They found that the compound "beta-sitosterol" present in "aloe vera" binds to the enzymes more strongly than any other tested compound, indicating its potential effectiveness in slowing the activity of these enzymes.

In this context, Maryam Khadrawi, a researcher at the University of Casablanca in Morocco and the lead author of the study, stated: "Our results suggest that (beta-sitosterol) has a high affinity for binding to enzymes and good stability, making it a promising candidate for developing future drugs."

Initial tests have also shown that this compound is well absorbed by the body and is unlikely to be toxic at therapeutic levels.

Limitations of Current Findings

Despite the promising results, the researchers pointed out that the study is still in its early stages, relying solely on computer simulations without human trials.

Christopher Weber, Senior Director of Scientific Initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association, warned that “aloe vera” has not yet been studied to verify its effectiveness in Alzheimer’s patients or others suffering from memory loss, stating: “Even if these results prove effective in future human studies, it will not be a treatment that completely alters the course of the disease.”

He emphasized that there is still a need for laboratory experiments and clinical trials to confirm the compound's efficacy.