At present (data estimated for 2024-2025) Thailand has approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 Alzheimer's patients. This number tends to...

At present (data estimated for 2024-2025), Thailand has approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 Alzheimer's patients, with this number likely to increase continuously according to the aging society.

The biological mechanism of action of resveratrol extracted from mulberry in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found abundantly in some plants including mulberry There has been a great deal of interest in studying its potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. It has a complex and diverse biological mechanism of action as follows:

1. Reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein. (Amyloid-beta) and tau abnormalities:

* Inhibits beta-amyloid aggregation: Resveratrol can bind to beta-amyloid protein and inhibit beta-amyloid aggregation. Beta-Amyloid is an Oligomer and Fibril form that is toxic to nerve cells. and is a key characteristic of the pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

* Promotes decay Beta-Amyloid: Some evidence suggests that resveratrol might increase the activity of enzymes involved in its breakdown. Beta-amyloid such as Neprilysin

* Reduces Tau Hyperphosphorylation: Resveratrol can reduce Tau Hyperphosphorylation. which is an important cause of birth Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFTs) are another main pathology of Alzheimer's disease. It involves balancing the activity of the enzymes Kinases and Phosphatases that control the addition of phosphate to the Tau protein.

2. Antioxidant Effect:

* Reduces Oxidative Stress: Alzheimer's disease is closely related to oxidative stress in the brain. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant. Can eliminate free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS) and reduce damage to nerve cells from free radicals.

* Increases antioxidant enzyme activity: Resveratrol can stimulate the production and activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx).

3. Anti-inflammatory effect (Anti-inflammatory Effect):

*Inhibits microglia cell activity: Inflammation in the nervous system (Neuroinflammation) plays an important role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Resveratrol can inhibit the activation and abnormal function of Microglia cells, which are the main immune cells in the brain. Reduce secretion of inflammatory mediators (Pro-inflammatory Cytokines) such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6

* Balancing inflammation: Helps balance the inflammatory process in the brain back to normal.

4. Improves Mitochondrial Function (Mitochondrial Function):

* Increases energy production: Resveratrol can promote the function of mitochondria. which is the source of cellular energy production and is impaired in Alzheimer's patients It involves the activation of Sirtuins (especially SIRT1).

* Reduces Mitochondrial Damage: Helps protect mitochondria from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation.

5. Activation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1):

* SIRT1 is an enzyme in the Sirtuins family that plays an important role in regulating the aging process and cell function. including brain function Resveratrol is a powerful SIRT1 activator.

* SIRT1-related mechanisms: SIRT1 activation has several beneficial effects on Alzheimer's disease, including reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid and Tau, reducing inflammation, improving mitochondrial function, and increasing the production of proteins that protect nerve cells. (Neurotrophic Factors)

6. Improves Brain Function and Memory:

* Through all the mechanisms mentioned above. Resveratrol tends to reduce neuronal apoptosis and promote the generation of new nerve cells. (Neurogenesis) including improving the function of the central nervous system. Leads to improvements in learning and memory in models of Alzheimer's disease.

Summary:

Resveratrol extracted from mulberry shows potential in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease through multiple and comprehensive mechanisms. both reducing the accumulation of abnormal proteins (beta-amyloid and Tau), reducing Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial function, and activating the enzyme SIRT1, which are all important factors in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.