New study shows promise in using coffee waste to protect against neurodegeneration
Researchers from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) may have found a novel way to protect the brain against neurodegeneration using compounds found in discarded coffee grinds. The study, published in Environmental Research, demonstrated that a specially formulated material made from coffee waste was effective at mopping up substances that trigger the degeneration of nerve cells, which can lead to conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
“It is critical to address these disorders before they reach the clinical stage,” says UTEP chemist and study first author, Mahesh Narayan. “Our aim is to come up with a solution that can prevent most cases of these conditions at a cost that is manageable for as many patients as possible.”
The blood-brain barrier is a formidable boundary that prevents the entry of many substances into the brain, including antioxidants that could potentially protect nerve cells from damage. However, caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in coffee, wine, and apples, is one exception. To enhance its superoxide-fighting properties, researchers transformed caffeic acid into something called a quantum dot, which has electromagnetic properties that could potentially help it slip through the blood-brain barrier more easily.
In lab tests, the team showed that the caffeic acid carbon quantum dots (CACQDs) were effective at impeding the clumping of proteins associated with neurodegeneration, providing evidence for their potential as a therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.
“This is because none of the current treatments resolve the diseases; they only help manage the symptoms. Our aim is to find a cure by addressing the atomic and molecular underpinnings that drive these conditions,” says UTEP chemist Jyotish Kumar, who led the research team.
While further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of CACQDs in a human body, the fact that they can be produced easily from readily-available waste material adds to their appeal as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. This new approach could revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by addressing the underlying causes of the diseases, rather than just managing their symptoms.