Compound from African Tree May Protect the Brain

Altered molecular pathways are partly responsible for neurodegeneration typical of Alzheimer’s Disease.  A compound extracted from the leaves and bark of an African tree – the Voacanga Africana, has been used in folk medicine for centuries, and scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (Califoenia, USA) identified that extracts of Voacanga africana performed exceptionally on assays (human and mouse cells) that tested the effects against neurodegeneration.  Voacanga Africana extract was effective at protecting cells against oxidative stress, showed anti-inflammatory properties, was capable of blocking the build-up in brain neurons of beta-amyloid peptides characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.  The study authors report that: “Our study identifies the alkaloid voacamine as a major compound in Voacanga africana with potent neuroprotective activities in these assays.”