Diet Full Of Hot Red Chillies, Parsley, Thyme And Chamomile Boosts Brain Function And Improves Memory

A diet rich in hot red chillies, parsley, thyme and chamomile boosts the brain’s function and improves memory and learning, researchers found.

The herbs and spices have high levels of the plant compound apigenin, which improves neuron formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells, a study showed.

Brazilian scientists said apigenin, part of a group of compounds called flavonoids, has the potential to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The study, in Advances in Regenerative Biology, is the first to show direct positive effects of apigenin on human cells. Lab tests showed human stem cells treated with apigenin become neurons after 25 days and make strong, sophisticated connections.

Past research has shown flavonoids positively affect memory and learning and has the potential of flavonoids to preserve and enhance brain function. 

Professor Stevens Rehen of Rio de Janeiro University said the connections ‘are crucial for good brain function, memory consolidation and learning’. 

He added: 'We have shown a new path for new studies with this substance.

'Moreover, flavonoids are present at high amounts in some foods and we can speculate that a diet rich in flavonoids may influence the formation of neurons and the way they communicate within the brain.' 

Lab tests showed just by applying apigenin to human stem cells in a dish they become neurons after 25 days - an effect they would not see without the substance.

And the neurons that were formed made stronger and sophisticated connections among themselves after being treated with this natural compound. 

The study published in Advances in Regenerative Biology found apigenin works by binding to oestrogen receptors, which affect the development, maturation, function, and plasticity of the nervous system.

This group of hormones is known to delay the onset of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

However, the use of oestrogen-based therapies is limited by the increased risk of oestrogen-dependent tumours and cardiovascular problems.

On the other hand apigenin could be used as an alternative approach on future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.