Compound in plants (Luteolin) reduces age-related memory deficits

Recent study suggests that luteolin improves cognitive health by acting directly on the microglial cells to reduce their production of inflammatory cytokines in the brain (here).

Luteolin is a common flavonoid found in many plants, including carrots, peppers, celery, olive oil, peppermint, rosemary, oregano and chamomile. It is thought to play an important role in the human body as an antioxidant.

"The researchers next turned their attention to the effects of luteolin on the brains and behavior of adult (3- to 6-month-old) and aged (2-year-old) mice. The mice were fed a control diet or a luteolin-supplemented diet for four weeks. The researchers assessed their spatial memory and measured levels of inflammatory markers in the hippocampus, a brain region that is important to memory and spatial awareness.

Normally, aged mice have higher levels of inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus and are more impaired on memory tests than younger adult mice. Aged mice on the luteolin-supplemented diet, however, did better on the learning and memory task than their peers, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in their brains were more like those of the younger adult mice."