The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

photo credit: Digital Shotgun

Just in case you didn’t know, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), serves as a veritable “surge protector” guarding against certain drugs, chemicals and toxins that find their way into your blood stream.

Depending on the biochemical characteristics of specific molecules, they may never find their way into the brain. Good thing, since most drugs are medicines first and neurotoxins second.

But what exactly constitutes the blood-brain barrier?

Blood vessels in the brain (unlike the rest of the body) are lined with endothelial cells that form tight junctions where they meet.

In other words, the space between cells that line the blood vessels in the brain is so small as to only permit specific nutritional substances, and nothing else.

More specifically, size matters when it comes to the blood-brain barrier. Large proteins are excluded entirely and unless small molecules are lipophilic (soluble in fat), they too will be discriminated against. In short, the brain is very, very particular about what substances cross the blood-brain barrier and be thankful that’s the case.

All bets are off however when inflammation due to infection or any number of other diseases is present. Under these conditions, integrity of the blood-brain barrier is compromised and a neurotoxic “free-for-all” assault on the brain ensues.

Recent advances in nanomedicine seek to exploit this particular vulnerability of the blood-brain barrier by developing a drug delivery system utilizing nanoparticles. Unfortunately, nanoparticles themselves may ultimately be found to possess neurotoxic properties thus exemplifying the inherent truth the traditional French proverb:

“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”, that is,

“the more things change, the more they stay the same”

So what’s an every-day-ordinary blood-brain barrier to do? Nano-neuro-nonsense on one hand or fledgling nutritional neuroscience on the other.

Well consider this for starters. Some of the most innocuous substances on planet earth serve as penultimate blood-brain barrier bolsterers. (I think bolsterers is a word).

Coffee, and the caffeine associated with it, has recently emerged as a neuroprotective agent. It’s clear now, the mechanism behind it’s neuroprotective properties includes caffeine’s ability to enhance the integrity of the BBB in addition to coffee’s inherent antioxidant properties.

Fortunately, flavonoids (a.k.a. phytochemicals, isoflavones, proanthocyanidines) can also traverse the BBB, bringing with them potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The next time you enjoy fresh grapefruit juice, relish the bitterness. The citrus bioflavonoid naringenin accounts for both the bitterness and neuroprotective efficacy.

Not surprisingly, regular exercise improves BBB function even in the event of an ischemic stroke.

Ultimately, maintaining the integrity of the BBB may very well be the most effective way of ensuring life-long” cognitive reserve” and perhaps more importantly, establishing a neurobiological foundation for the “neuroprotective lifestyle”.

Coffee anyone?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

photo credit:johdax

Terpenoids are naturally occurring aromatic organic compounds that have been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years — we know them as aromatic or “essential oils”.

Menthol, camphor, thymol, eugenol and incensole acetate are all examples of plant terpenoids with psycho-active properties. Yep, I said psycho-active.

Apparently burning incense is more than just tradition — it’s intended to take you to a better place and now we understand why.

To put it another way, we “are what we eat” and we “feel what we smell!”

Here’s how it works.

A little know gene known as transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV3), codes for the even lesser known ion channel found in the brain with the same name. In fact, the TRPV3 ion channel is scattered throughout the brain wherever neurons are found.

Hidden within the resin of Boswellia serrata (the Frankincense tree), lies incensole acetate, a common ingredient found in incense and the subject of a recent study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal.

As it turns out, incensole acetate is a potent activator of TRPV3 channels with potent anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties, as determined by mouse behavior.

Based on observed behavioral changes, scientists concluded that “the biochemical and pharmacological effects of IA may provide a biological basis for deeply rooted cultural and religious traditions.”

Approximately fifteen million Americans have depression and about half as many suffer from anxiety-related disorders. It is estimated that half of all patients do not seek treatment for depression or even continue recommended treatments once started.

Incense alone will not cure depression, but a clear understanding of the neurochemistry opens the door to better treatment modalities.

Who knows, aromatherapists may find themselves vindicated in the not-to-distant neuro-society!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!