A new preclinical study published in the journal Molecules has demonstrated the potential of a natural iminosugar and supplement ingredient, known as ido-BRI, to support brain health and cognitive function.
Researchers reported that ido-BR1 reduced pro-inflammatory factors released by microglia, specialised immune cells of the brain and central nervous system. Chronic neuroinflammation resulting from microglia activation has been linked to the ageing process and degenerative health challenges.
Ido-BR1 is a patented ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements that IminoTech markets under the brand name Q-actin™. Q-actin is an iminosugar amino acid, a biologically active carbohydrate derived from select cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.). Previous published research shows that Q-actin supports joint health through increased flexibility, function and mobility.
This research provides further evidence that ido-BR1 is a molecule with tremendous anti-inflammatory properties
In this latest experiment, researchers used mouse BV-2 microglia, one of the most well-characterised and widely used cell culture models for neurological study.
The cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria that can stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines via various signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). In comparison to the control group, ido-BR1 in doses of less than 1 milligram significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the release of proinflammatory factors TNF-alpha, IL-6 and nitric oxide. Ido-BR1 also inhibited activation of NF-κB, a gene transcription factor involved in inflammatory and immune responses.
The anti-inflammatory effects of ido-BR1 were dose-dependent.
The daily serving size of Q-actin is 20 mgs or less, making it an ideal stand-alone or combination ingredient
“Cucumbers and cucumber extracts have long been recognized as having anti-inflammatory properties,” said Robert Nash, a phytochemistry researcher and leading expert on iminosugars who led the study. “This research provides further evidence that ido-BR1 is a molecule with tremendous anti-inflammatory properties that may support brain and cognitive health in addition to joint health.”
Previous clinical and preclinical studies have shown that Q-actin can significantly improve joint health in comparison to glucosamine-chondroitin through a novel mechanism. Earlier studies showed the ido-BR1 reduced TNF-alpha in both ex vivo human serum and the human monocyte-like THP-1 cell line.
“Q-actin is a unique ingredient solution with health benefits that address many consumer concerns and span many product categories,” said Shil Kothari, IminoTech CEO. “In addition, the daily serving size of Q-actin is 20 mgs or less, making it an ideal stand-alone or combination ingredient.”
