"Sacred California Grass" is the secret of treating Alzheimer's disease

Scientists claim that the plant growing in the California prairies could carry the secret of treating Alzheimer's disease.

Yerba santa, in Spanish, has long been a natural remedy for common diseases such as fever and headaches.

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But researchers at Salk's cellular neurobiology lab in San Diego hope to reduce brain swelling in patients with dementia.

If this is the case, it could change the current treatment method to millions of patients around the world, according to the research team.

Professor Dave Schubert, laboratory manager, and his colleagues identified a molecule called sterubin in their plant, which they found to be the most active ingredient.

The researchers tested "sterubine" and other plant extracts to evaluate their effects on mouse neurons.

The researchers found that "sterubine" had a potent anti-inflammatory effect in brain cells, called neuronal glia, that are vital for the development of Alzheimer's disease.

"Sterubin" is an effective iron remover because iron can contribute to the neuronal damage of aging and degenerative neurodegenerative diseases.

Overall, the researchers concluded that the compound was effective in reducing multiple causes of neuronal death.

Dr. Pamela Maher, lead author of the study, explains that it is possible to test the compound in humans, but that it is necessary to use an extract of " sterubin "from plants grown under specific and monitored conditions.

Source: Daily Mail