Loss of brain cells with aging is a normal process of aging, but the loss of neuritis and dendrites disrupts neural communications and cell cross talk. This can result in physiological and behavioral impairment as well as major decline in brain cell performance and degenerative disease. Until recently, it was not believed the brain could regenerate.
We know now that brain cells can replace themselves and regrow their neural communications networks under certain circumstances. This is true of neuritis and dendrites when given the proper ingredients. Neuritis and dendrites are the long filament or root like terminal branches that are extensions of the brain cells themselves.
Certain supplements help to rebuild the neural communications network. Acetyl carnatine arginate was discovered in 1991 and later found to mimic the effect of nerve growth factor and cause neurite outgrowth. Acetyl-l-carnatine increases the effect of nerve growth factor on the outgrowth of neurites 100 times greater than when just nerve growth factor is present. It also was found to be highly synergestic in the production of neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, somatrostatin and other brain peptides.
Taking both types of carnatine provides a profound synergistic action. Carnatine arginate and acetyl-l-carnatine and can result in an outgrowth of 3.5 times more than when using acetyl-l-carnatine alone. Use of carnatine arginate protects against beta myeloid plaque found in old brains and associated with Alzheimer’s whole acetyl-l-carnatine prevents a number of structural changes in various areas of the brain. Acetyl-l-carnatine helps within days of supplementation to increase serotonin and dopamine output, thereby, having an effect on emotional behaviors. It has also been shown to help in improved pain.
Another brain regenerating nutrient is uridine monophosphate which is seen in early development stages but was found in 1960 to be essential in the adult brain. Again, uridine monophosphate increases neurite and dendrite growth. Phosphatidylcholine is dependent upon uridine as the dietary source of cytidine which is a building block for phospholipids synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is an important precursor for acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter associated with memory.
Gotu Kola has been traditionally used for nervous disorders such as senility and epilepsy. Uses include as a brain tonic for memory, and for overstressed people to prevent breakdowns. It is also known for improving circulation in patients with phlebitis and peripheral neuropathy. The preferred form is hydro-alcoholic extract. Again, research has shown neurite branching and outgrowth from the human cells.
Source: Vitamin Research News-March 2008; refer to article for multiple research sites.
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