Compounds from apples can enhance brain function

Natural compounds found in apples and other fruits can help stimulate the production of new brain cells, which may have implications for learning and memory, according to a new study in mice published in Stem cell reports

Chemicals found in plants called phytonutrients, such as resveratrol in red grapes or epigallo-catechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea, can have positive effects on various parts of the body, including the brain. Researchers Tara Louise Walker, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia and Gerd Kempermann, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dresden, Germany, and colleagues found that high concentrations of phytonutrients from apples stimulate the production of new neurons, a process called neurogenesis.

The study showed that lab-grown adult mouse brain stem cells generated more neurons and were protected from cell death when quercetin or dihydroxybezoic acid (DHBA), phytonutrients common in apples, were added to the cultures. Subsequent tests in mice showed that stem cells in various structures of the adult brain associated with learning and memory multiplied and generated more neurons when the mice were given high doses of quercetin or DHBA. The effects on neurogenesis were similar to those seen after exercise, a known stimulus for neurogenesis.

This study suggests that natural compounds in fruits, such as quercetin, DHBA, and possibly others, may act in synergy to promote neurogenesis and brain function when given in high concentrations.

Future studies will be needed to determine whether these and other phytonutrients can improve learning and cognitive function in animal models and in humans.

Provided by International Society for Stem Cell Research