The Importance of Antioxidant Therapy in Preventing Parkinson's Disease

The neurodegenerative condition known as Parkinson's disease is caused by the death of neurons that generate dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for both motor control and cognitive function.

The number of people with Parkinson’s disease is rising quickly as the world’s population ages. Reactive oxygen species overproduction damages neurons, which causes Parkinson's disease.

The suppression of reactive oxygen species formation is critical because it is lethal to dopaminergic neurons, which regulate dopamine neurotransmitters. Only symptomatic therapy is now accessible, necessitating the creation of treatment regimens and preventative measures.

Fortunately, Associate Professor Akiko Kojima-Yuasa of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology led a study team that confirmed the physiological impact of Ecklonia cava polyphenols, which are seaweed antioxidants, on Parkinson’s disease.

In this study, two types of motor function tests were performed on Parkinson’s disease model mice who were orally fed antioxidants for one week before being given rotenone. Rotenone reduced motor function, but it was recovered in the end. There was also an improvement in intestinal motor function and colon mucosa structure, the unique tissue covering the colon.

Furthermore, cellular experiments utilizing Parkinson’s disease model cells confirmed the biochemical interaction underlying Ecklonia cava’s preventative activity.

The antioxidants stimulate the AMPK enzyme (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), an intracellular energy sensor, and block the generation of reactive oxygen species, both of which induce neuronal cell death.

This study suggests that Ecklonia cava antioxidants may reduce neuronal damage by AMPK activation and inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species production. It is hoped that Ecklonia cava will be an effective ingredient in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.”

Akiko Kojima-Yuasa, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University