A new study finds that ligustrazine (TG), a natural compound found in coffee and some vegetables, can significantly enhance spatial learning and memory in elderly mice. Research shows that TG alters key molecular pathways and reduces neuroinflammation, highlighting its potential to address age-related cognitive decline.
Recent research has increasingly focused on finding natural compounds that can protect against age-related cognitive decline and promote healthy aging. Tritamine (TG), a plant alkaloid contained in coffee, fenugreek seeds, and radish, has been considered a candidate for enhancing cognitive abilities.
In a new study, researchers from the University of Tsukuba used the aging-accelerated mouse susceptibility gene 8 (SAMP8) model to comprehensively study the impact of TG on memory and spatial learning (acquiring, retaining, constructing, and applying information related to the surrounding physical environment) from the perspectives of cognitive and molecular biology.
After oral administration of TG to SAMP8 mice for 30 days, the Morris water maze test showed that the spatial learning and memory abilities of the mice were significantly improved compared with SAMP8 mice that did not take TG.
Next, the researchers performed a genome-wide transcriptome analysis of the hippocampus to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. They found that signaling pathways related to nervous system development, mitochondrial function, ATP synthesis, inflammation, autophagy, and neurotransmitter release were significantly regulated in the TG group.
In addition, the research team also found that TG inhibited neuroinflammation by negatively regulating the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB mediated by the signaling factor Traf6.
In addition, quantitative protein analysis confirmed that the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly reduced, and the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin were significantly increased in the hippocampus.
These research results indicate that TG can effectively prevent and improve age-related spatial learning and memory impairment.
This work was supported by DyDoDRINCO and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST Grant No. JPMJPF2017).