In the study, a team of scientists used both a hot water extract of the seeds and a powder made from ground parts. The results showed that the cognitive function of mice given the powder improved to a level exceeding that of the control group. The preparation also slowed cellular aging in older mice, ultimately enhancing their cognitive abilities to levels close to those of younger mice.
Professor Tomiyama noted that this study opens the door to developing affordable and safe dementia prevention drugs that can be used in middle-aged and older adults. Previous studies by the same team demonstrated improvements with the Hawaiian plant mamaki and the Chinese herb Acorus gramineus in animal models of neurodegeneration.
The findings, currently available as a preliminary report in the journal eLife, are part of research supported by Cerebro Pharma Inc. and Teijin Ltd., which are investing in the development of drugs to prevent cognitive impairment.
