Fisetin has been extensively studied for its potential to improve brain health and cognitive function.
A natural compound found in strawberries can reduce the mental effects of ageing.
The antioxidant fisetin, when given to mice, was found to reduce their mental decline with age and inflammation in their body.
Fisetin is also found in many other plants, such as apples, onions, cucumbers and persimmons.
Dr Pamela Maher, who led the research said:
“Companies have put fisetin into various health products but there hasn’t been enough serious testing of the compound.
Based on our ongoing work, we think fisetin might be helpful as a preventative for many age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, not just Alzheimer’s, and we’d like to encourage more rigorous study of it.”
Previous studies in the same lab have found that fisetin can reduce age-related memory loss.
The study was carried out on mice that had been genetically modified to be susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Maher said:
“Mice are not people, of course.
But there are enough similarities that we think fisetin warrants a closer look, not only for potentially treating sporadic AD but also for reducing some of the cognitive effects associated with aging, generally.”
The mice were given food with fisetin in it for 7 months and compared to a control group.
Dr Maher said:
“At 10 months, the differences between these two groups were striking.”
Those given the fisetin had hardly suffered any age-related deficits.
In general, fisetin has been extensively studied for its potential to improve brain health and cognitive function.
Like this one, some studies have shown that fisetin may have neuroprotective effects, helping to protect the brain from damage and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
It may also improve memory and cognitive performance in aging individuals.
Fruits that boost brain health
Some fruits have been shown to have potential benefits for brain health.
These include:
- Berries in general: rich in antioxidants that can help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.
- Avocados: contain healthy fats that can improve blood flow to the brain and support overall brain function.
- Citrus fruits: rich in Vitamin C, which may reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against cognitive decline.
- Apples: contain compounds that may protect brain cells and improve memory function.
- Tomatoes: contain the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to improve brain function and cognitive performance.
A balanced diet, including a variety of fruits is key to maintaining good brain health.
The study was published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A (Currais et al., 2017).
