How-to sharpen your mind and energy levels via ROS reduction

This article discusses how you can sharpen your mind and increase energy levels at any age, while minimizing effects of Reactive Oxydative Stress (ROS) and ATP (adenosine triphosphate)--prolonging effects of demyelinating disease on everyday brain and body function.

Role of Reactive Oxidative Stress (ROS) and its reduction

Bhat Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu Decoction (BYHWD) may combat Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and other neurodegenerative diseases, and their early onset, by reducing amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and formation, and addressing related energy deficits. AD pathology is associated with reduced levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. 

Addressed in this research is the following:

What diseases and symptoms show signs of amyloid plaques?

How are the brain plaques identified?

What signs identify ROS buildup?

What is known about amyloid plaque loads and disease?

How can we dissolve amyloid plaque loads?

What diseases show brain plaques on MRI?

What is known about years of stress and its affect upon onset AD?

What can potentially assist individuals with early AD pathology?

What happens when you do nothing to mediate your stress?

Neurogenerative diseases & Amyloid plaques

Neurogenerative diseases potentially caused by reactive oxidative stress (ROS) effects on the body perpetuate amyloid plaque loads in the body’s central nervous system. Chronic levels of stress, manifest as ROS, refers to the total amount or burden of amyloid plaques. These abnormal deposits of the beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, affect the the brain. Plaques can be assessed by MRIs or PET scans. A higher amyloid plaque load is associated with neurodegenerative diseases. So how can one reverse the effects of ROS?

Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu (BYHW) decoction & Brain Plaques

• Reduces amyloid plaque load: BYHWD has been shown to reduce the buildup of Aβ plaques in the brains of mice with AD-like pathology.

• Modulates the gut-brain axis: A recent study demonstrated that BYHWD improved cognitive function and reduced Aβ plaque deposition in mouse models by altering gut microbiota. This, in turn, suppressed a signaling pathway (C/EBPβ–AEP) that contributes to AD pathology.

• Inhibits Aβ transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB): BYHWD may reduce plaque formation by regulating Aβ transport across the BBB. It decreases the expression of the inward transporter RAGE and increases the outward transporter LRP1, effectively clearing Aβ from the brain.

• Alleviates Aβ-induced inflammation: BYHWD's action on the gut-brain axis and other pathways also helps reduce the neuroinflammation that is often a side effect of Aβ accumulation. 

ATP and its role in AD

• ATP decline is a hallmark of AD: Studies using mouse models of AD have shown significantly reduced ATP levels in brain tissue, suggesting that mitochondria—the primary producers of ATP—are failing to maintain cellular energy.

• ATP fuels brain function: The brain is highly energy-demanding and relies on ATP for everything from maintaining cellular structures to neuronal communication.

• Extracellular ATP as an inflammatory signal: While intracellular ATP is vital for energy, ATP that accumulates outside of cells acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule. In AD, this can trigger inflammation mediated by receptors like P2X7, further damaging neurons.

• Impaired ATP synthase: Research suggests that ATP synthase, the enzyme complex that generates ATP, is impaired in AD brains. 

Potential links between BYHWD, ATP, and plaques

While specific studies directly linking all three elements are still developing, existing research points to a potential chain of events:

1. BYHWD modulates cellular energy pathways: Studies have found that BYHWD improves overall energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.

2. This modulation increases ATP production: By improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, BYHWD can help increase the production of ATP. This counters the energy deficit that contributes to AD pathology.

3. Increased ATP supports anti-plaque mechanisms: Higher ATP levels provide the necessary energy for cellular processes that help manage and clear Aβ plaques. These include processes like active transport across the BBB and maintaining the integrity of synapses and other cellular structures.

4. Overall effect: By addressing both the energy deficit (ATP) and the amyloid pathology (plaques), BYHWD could offer a multi-faceted approach to mitigating the damage seen in Alzheimer's disease.