Anti-Alzheimer’s Coffee

BDD – GMD

Researchers discovered that coffee grounds can be used to produce Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) based on caffeic acid. These CQDs have shown potential in safeguarding the brain against the harmful effects of specific neurodegenerative conditions.

A recent study has found that CQDs can effectively combat neurodegenerative disorders triggered by lifestyle and environmental factors such as aging, obesity, and exposure to pesticides.

The findings were published in the journal Environmental Research.

What are CQDs?

“Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are ‘bite-sized’ nanoparticles (2-10 nm by some standards, up to 20 nms by others and simply called carbon nanomaterials if they are under 100 nm) that are synthesized from carbon-containing precursors such as fruit peel, waste paper, and even salmon,” said Dr. Mahesh Narayan, senior author of the study, and biophysicist at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso.

“They are not found as is, but need to be synthesized. We used a chemically friendly (green Chemistry) approach which mimicked cooking in hot water, allowing the caffeic acid to be recarbonized into Caffeic Acid Derived Carbon Quantum Dots. As aforementioned, they can be prepared using other organic waste matter as well,” he explained.

Caffeic acid’s benefits

When it comes to neurodegeneration, there are various factors to consider.

“Proteins misfold, and separately, free radicals are generated. Both events cause neuronal damage, injury, and demise,” said Dr. Narayan. CQDs have the remarkable ability to prevent protein misfolding and effectively scavenge free radicals.

This dual mechanism of action demonstrates their independent and powerful capacity to intervene and protect neurons.

[Carbon Quantum Dots] are likely to be effective in many sporadic (idiopathic) forms of neurodegeneration such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body with Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies but unlikely in genetic or familial disorders such as the small percent of people with familial Parkinson and Alzheimer’s or those with Huntington’s (caused by mutations in Huntigton’s protein).

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Since caffeic acid can fight free radicals, which can lead to oxidative stress, and the brain is susceptible to oxidative stress, it can be a useful tool for managing neurodegenerative conditions.

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Dr. Natalia Pessoa Rocha, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Health Houston, emphasized that oxidative stress and inflammation play a role in cell death in various organs.

Brain cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress and inflammation compared to cells in other organs. This is because the brain consumes a lot of oxygen and contains a high number of lipids. The brain has limited ability to regenerate cells, so it is important to find ways to prevent cell death in the brain.

Can coffee help treat dementia?

While these findings show promise, it’s essential to be careful when interpreting the findings of this study.

“Most notably, it was only tested in vitro, an essential but incipient research step. They used SH-SY5Y cells, which are neuroblastoma cells,” Dr. Pessoa Rocha said.

“These are widely used as in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases, but we cannot assume that the effects on the brain will be the same. In addition, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are complex and multifactorial.”

Actually, the study is much more focused on chemical properties (synthesis and characterization of caffeic acid quantum dots) than clinical (or even preclinical) use.

Previous studies have already demonstrated the neuroprotective properties of coffee and its components. Many epidemiological studies have reported that coffee consumption reduces the risk of dementia, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease and has a positive impact on Parkinson’s disease progression. The current study demonstrates potential mechanisms explaining the epidemiological findings.

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🟡 🔴 🔵  REMEMBER

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Coffee grounds can be used to make caffeic-acid-based Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs). These CQDs have the potential to protect the brain from neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The research suggests that caffeic acid’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help combat the effects of lifestyle and environmental factors that increase the risk of such disorders.

To reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, it’s important to adopt healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

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