A certain pectin from asparagus has a strong anti-neuroinflammatory effect. By inhibiting inflammation in nerve tissue, a therapeutic application in Alzheimer's disease could also be considered.
In a recent study, a research team from Guangdong Pharmaceutical University isolated the pectin polysaccharide AOPB-1-1 from asparagus and examined its effect against inflammation of nervous tissue. The study results are published in the “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules”.
Far-reaching positive health effects
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is rich in fiber, amino acids, minerals and vitamins and contains a variety of bioactive components such as polysaccharides, steroid saponins and flavonoids, explains the team.
Regular consumption is associated with, among other things, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antitumor effects and asparagus is considered very healthy overall, even if caution is advised when consuming asparagus if you have some pre-existing illnesses.
Asparagus extracts, for example, have a strong anti-arthritic effect and green asparagus strengthens the intestinal flora. Studies on mice have also shown that aqueous extracts of A. officinalis noticeably improve the animals' learning and memory functions, reports the Chinese research team.
Newly discovered pectin polysaccharide
To date, however, research has mainly focused on the saponins in asparagus and only a few studies have examined the polysaccharides of Asparagus officinalis or their anti-inflammatory activities, the researchers continued.
In the new research work, the experts have now managed to isolate a previously unknown pectin polysaccharide called AOPB-1-1 from asparagus and to fully characterize its structure.
Anti-inflammatory effect
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Specifically, AOPB-1-1 can significantly reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the expression of inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Use against Alzheimer's?
The significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity of AOPB-1-1 also suggests its applicability as a therapeutic option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the researchers conclude. (fp)
