Promoting Brain Health Properties Assessment
There are certain functional foods and bioactive compounds that can enhance overall brain health by protecting against neurodegenerative diseases and supporting cognitive function. With the scientific assessment service, Aprofood provides scientific evidence of the effectiveness of your functional food or bioactive compounds in promoting brain health.
Ingredients with Brain Health-promoting Properties
A large number of food ingredients soured of plant, animal or microbial are rich in bioactive compounds with brain health-promoting properties, common examples include the following categories.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Sources: fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc.
- Polyphenols. Sources: berries, tea, dark chocolate, etc.
- Curcumin. Sources: turmeric, etc.
- Resveratrol. Sources: red grapes and wine, etc.
- Caffeine. Sources: coffee and tea, etc.
- Choline. Sources: eggs, liver, etc.
- Vitamin E. Sources: nuts, seeds, etc.
Mechanisms of Action for Brain Health-promoting
The mechanisms by which functional food ingredients affect brain health are multifaceted and may vary depending on the type of ingredient, the dose, and the genetic makeup of the individual. It is important to note that these mechanisms usually work in concert.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing damage to brain cells.
- Anti-inflammatory compounds inhibit the activation of inflammatory pathways, reducing chronic inflammation in the brain.
Neuroprotection and Neuronal Growth
Supporting the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, the fundamental cells of the nervous system.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical for neuronal membrane structure and function.
- Neurotrophic factors, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promote neuronal growth, plasticity, and survival.
Enhancement of Synaptic Plasticity
Synaptic plasticity is the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken connections between neurons, which underlies learning and memory.
- Flavonoids found in berries and tea, may enhance synaptic plasticity by influencing signaling pathways in the brain.
Modulation of Neurotransmitters
Influencing neurotransmitter production and activity, impacting mood and cognitive function.
- Caffeine in coffee and tea can enhance alertness and cognitive performance by blocking adenosine receptors.
- Choline, found in eggs, is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning.
Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity
Supporting blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
- Polyphenols can influence BBB tight junctions, maintaining a healthy barrier that shields the brain from potential toxins.
Our Service
Our services utilize a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous laboratory methodology and follow an iterative cycle to ensure a dynamic and evolving approach to research and evaluation, with a multidisciplinary team of experts integrating biology, nutrition, and analytical sciences. We aim to help you assess the impact of functional compounds on brain function and obtain accurate and reliable scientific results.
Service Process of Promoting Brain Health Properties Assessment
Target Confirmation
In Vitro Testing
Data Analysis & Reporting
Experimental Design
In Vivo Testing
In Vitro Testing Method
Cell Cultures. Researchers can use neuronal cell cultures to study the effects of specific compounds on neuronal growth, survival, and function.
In Vivo Testing Method
- Animal Model Selection. Select appropriate animal models and conduct dose and group design.
- Cognitive Testing. Behavioral tests can evaluate learning, memory, and other cognitive functions in animals.
- Biomarker & Histological Analysis. Analyze brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid for markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration.
Applications of Our Service
We can provide a variety of services related to research on functional foods that promote brain health, including but not limited to the following.
Bioavailability of Neuroactive Compounds
Explore the absorption and utilization of neuroactive compounds by the brain.
Impact of Nutrigenomics on Brain Function
Investigate the influence of individual genetic variations on the brain's response to functional food ingredients.
Gut-Brain Axis Interactions
Examine bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain concerning functional foods.
Synaptic Plasticity Modulation
Investigate how functional ingredients can potentially modulate synaptic plasticity to enhance cognitive function.
Aprofood's expertise spans a wide range of fields, including food science, nutrition, and biology, and we meet the unique needs of each client through tailored research programs. If you are looking for a partner in food research and innovation, contact us today.
Reference:
- You, S.; et al. The promotion mechanism of prebiotics for probiotics: A review. Front. Nutr. 2022, (9):1000517.
For Research Use Only.
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