5. How can we prevent PD?
PD is characterised by loss of nerve cells (neurons) and loss of
nerve cell function
Strategies to protect nerve cells are important:
~ to prevent more nerve cells
from dying
~ to protect new tissue (grafts,
stem cells)
~ ideally, to enhance the function
of surviving cells
Protective agents must be
well tolerated and must be
able to reach the brain
Dopamine neurons of the
substantia nigra
5. How can we prevent PD?
A traditional Amazonian remedy protects neurons
Muara puama (MP), a traditional South American herb
is derived from a tree, Ptychopetalum olacoides and
used by shamen to treat age-related diseases including
the “shaking disorder”.
We have found that MP can:
~ protect neurons from dying
~ encourage neurons to form new
connections with one another
120
*
100
80
60
40
20
0
6OHDA
6OHDA
+ MP
Dopamine expressing neurons (dark cells)
growing in the presence of muara puama
control
survival
5. How can we prevent PD?
Muara puama protects mitochondria from damage
in models of PD
Healthy mitochondria are needed to give nerve cells energy
5. How can we prevent PD?
What are the questions that we are asking right now?
Muara puama:
~ Can MP protect nerve cells in more complex models of PD?
~ What are the active ingredients in MP that enable it to protect
nerve cells?
~ How safe is this extract? Will it react with other drugs?