Results of a new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience have exciting implications for the future use of a unique new grape seed extract to inhibit the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. The research that was conducted by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti of the Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in collaboration with UCLA’s Molecular Biology Institute and Dr. Anil Shrikhande, the director of the Polyphenolics, a division of California Natural Color and E. & J. Gallo Winery , a major producer of biologically active grape products, tested the hypothesis that certain molecules contained in red wine, in particular in grape seeds currently being developed with the name of MegaNatural-AZ, might offset disease progression in mice genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’ disease.
Dr. Pasinetti found that MegaNatural-AZ grape seed extract reduced Alzheimer disease -type cognitive deterioration in the Alzheimer disease mice through mechanisms that prevents the formation of a more complex form of a molecule known as amyloid , in the brain. Complex amyloid build up can lead to Alzheimer’s disease as well as memory impairment associated with dementia. “The implications are not limited to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease,” he commented. “In fact, amyloid is present in everyone’s brain and whenever it comes together in a more complex structure it makes the brain function less efficiently. The ability of the compounds found in MegaNatural-AZ to inhibit the formation of the more complex amyloid structures suggests that Meganatural-AZ might even help prevent memory loss in people who have not yet developed Alzheimer’s disease.”
He added that he and his colleagues are now one step closer to understanding the exact molecule in MegaNatural-AZ that is responsible for protecting memory and, by extension, closer to testing whether MegaNatural-AZ can be used in patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The collaboration between Dr. Pasinetti and Polyphenolics will likely continue to further explore MegaNatural-AZ’s benefits in the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Study completed in collaboration with the Polyphenolics, a division of California Natural Color and E. & J. Gallo Winery, Department of Veteran Affairs, Japan Human Science Foundation, NIH, NCCAM and Alzheimer’s Association.
Polyphenolics is a leading manufacturer of ingredients for the nutritional and beverage industries. It is a division of E. & J. Gallo Winery, one of the largest wine companies in the U.S. For more information about the benefits of grape seed extract, visit www.polyphenolics.com.
Media note: For a study abstract or to set up an interview, please contact Media Relations at 612-798-7220.
