Recent studies conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Indore have made a breakthrough in the understanding and potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, especially Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). They have discovered that piperine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in black pepper, can be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of these illnesses.
Understanding Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. It is generally characterized by difficulties with movement and thinking ability – factors that significantly hinder an individual’s cognition. The syndrome typically manifests later in life, often after the age of 50, with symptoms progressively getting worse. Males tend to be more severely and frequently affected by this condition than females.
People living with FXTAS experience damage in certain parts of their brain, notably in the cerebellum which controls movements and the white matter, visible through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As a result, the affected individuals increasingly suffer from cerebellar ataxia, action tremor, Parkinsonism, and cognitive decline. This syndrome primarily occurs due to a mutation in a gene called fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1). This mutation results in an excessive presence of repeat RNAs in a specific region of the gene. In patients suffering from FXTAS, the number of repeat RNAs could rise up to 200 compared to the standard 55, causing cytotoxicity in neuronal cells.
The Search for a Cure
Scientists have been relentlessly trying to regulate the gene mutation with chemical molecules in an attempt to control and cure FXTAS, but without any definitive success so far.
Potential of Piperine
However, recent research has uncovered the promising effects of piperine, an alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper. Piperine is known to interact with the repeat RNAs and can significantly reduce the level of cytotoxicity in the neuronal cell.
| Properties of Piperine |
|---|
| Anti-carcinogenic activity |
| Hepato-protection |
| Antioxidant |
| Nephron-protective |
| Anti-inflammatory |
| Anti-apoptotic |
| Antidepressant |
| Neuroprotective |
Piperine: A New Hope in Neurodegenerative Disorder Treatment
With its variety of beneficial properties, ranging from anti-carcinogenic activity, hepato-protection, and antioxidant to neuroprotective nature, piperine emerges as a new hope in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as FXTAS. The discovery of these therapeutic benefits of piperine could potentially revolutionize the way we understand and treat these conditions, offering a fresh perspective in the world of neurology.
