A study by scientists from the University of Oslo has shown that the compound "alpha-amyrin" found in the passion fruit can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease thanks to its ability to protect vital processes in the brain.
The study revealed that alpha-amyrin prevents the accumulation of toxic proteins that damage nerve cells, and this compound also supports the function of mitochondria, which are the "power stations" of cells and are essential for normal brain function.
Experiments conducted on laboratory mice with a model that mimics Alzheimer's showed that alpha-amyrin reduces the accumulation of harmful substances in the brain and significantly improves memory. Scientists also discovered that this compound is able to travel from the bloodstream to the brain and remain in the body for a long time, making it a promising candidate for future pharmaceutical applications.
The researchers confirm that the compound "alpha-amyrin" is not only found in passion fruit, but also in other fruits and vegetables, and their findings support the hypothesis that a diet rich in plant-based foods may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
A Japanese study had previously shown that passion fruit extract has the ability to protect retinal cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, the main cause of age-related macular degeneration
