Protection of motor neurons by dietary flavonoids

Description:

What this research means to you: Some of the health-giving properties of fruits and vegetables are attributed to substances called flavonoids, but there is currently very little scientific evidence to suggest that they may be helpful in neurological disease. This study aims to identify which particular flavonoids, if any, have the ability to protect motor neurones from the degeneration seen in MND. Ultimately, the researchers would like to be establish which foods or nutritional supplements could be of benefit to people with MND.

The researchers explain in more detail: Flavonoids are a group of over 4,000 individual substances found in numerous fruits and vegetables and as such they are common components of the human diet. There is considerable public and media interest in the potentially beneficial actions of flavonoids in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, including motor neurone disease, but a number of fundamental scientific questions need to be answered regarding their potential use. For example, we do not yet know precisely how flavonoids work or which of the 4,000 compounds are likely to work best in motor neurones. Indeed, some flavonoids may be best avoided altogether.
Over the last 7 years we have accumulated data which shows that certain dietary flavonoids have a protective effect on various cells grown in the laboratory. The aim of this project is to test different concentrations of dietary flavonoids for their ability to protect motor neurones isolated from mouse spinal cord from cell death. This will enable us to draw up a short list of candidate flavonoids to take forward into future projects where we intend to feed flavonoids to mice that model motor neurone disease. Ultimately, we hope our research will provide clear information to patients as to the possible beneficial effects of flavonoid supplementation or a diet rich in flavonoids on symptoms and/or disease progression.

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