Current research shows that many supplements and nutraceuticals have added benefits for patients’ neurological health.

By Lynn Toohey, PhD

You may be curious about what specific nutrients offer the best support for the nerves and the nervous system. There are many that can be helpful. The following combinations recommended have been compiled from research in this area.

One particular area of focus is resveratrol, the agent in red wine that has gotten so much press in the anti- aging arena. Yet, many scientists are discovering the potent properties that resveratrol exhibits in other areas as well, especially when it comes to nutritional nerve support.

Resveratrol

Referred to as a “good candidate for treatment of metabolic neuropathy” by researchers who published data in Neuroscience Letter,¹ resveratrol has made the news for neuronal support. Additionally, resveratrol was called “neuroprotective” by Albani, et al., who published an article titled, “Neuroprotective properties of resveratrol in different neurodegenerative disorders.” ²

Abstract: The natural phytocompound resveratrol has been considered for many years a potential anticancer drug, but recently it has come to the attention of neuroscientists too, as it displays neuroprotective actions and activates the sirtuins’ family member SIRT1. SIRT1 is involved in several physiologic and pathologic processes including apoptosis, autophagy, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegeneration. Resveratrol has neuroprotective features both in vitro and in vivo in models of Alzheimer’s disease, but it has proved to be beneficial also in ischemic stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and epilepsy.

Breaking news: Recently, an article published in Medical Hypotheses suggests resveratrol may have value in the treatment of complications from diabetes.” ³ In the paper, the authors hypothesize that “resveratrol treatment and subsequent activation of SIRT1 pathway might be highly beneficial for patients with diabetic foot syndrome, a late-stage complication of type 2 diabetes, which originates from interplay among impaired tissue regeneration, vasculopathy, neuropathy, and inflammation all on the background of insulin resistance.”

Their prediction is based on a variety of evidence linking resveratrol and sirtuins to the restoration of insulin sensitivity, improvement of microcirculation, and tissue regeneration, and gains in the function of peripheral nerves and cytokine production.

The researchers call for more clinical trials to be conducted in this highly promising area.

Fish oil

Fish oil is another supplement to consider for nutritional nerve support. A review article published in August 2011 reported that the signaling influence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil has widespread effects on the nervous system. The paper describes the key roles that omega 3s play in the powerful support of various organ systems, especially where neurodegeneration is a concern.⁴

It’s well-known that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important lipids that must be obtained from dietary sources or via supplements. Omega-3 and -6 PUFAs are key components of membranes and they are vital to cell integrity and function.

Abstract: The essential omega-3 fatty acid family member docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is avidly retained and uniquely concentrated in the nervous system, particularly in photoreceptors and synaptic membranes. DHA plays a key role in vision, neuroprotection, successful aging, memory, and other functions. In addition, DHA displays anti-inflammatory and inflammatory resolving properties in contrast to the proinflammatory actions of several members of the omega-6 PUFAs family.

The review also discusses DHA- derived bioactive lipids, “which include neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a novel DHA-derived stereoselective mediator. NPD1 synthesis agonists include neurotrophins and oxidative stress; NPD1 elicits potent anti-inflammatory actions and prohomeostatic bioactivity, is anti-angiogenic, promotes corneal nerve regeneration, and induces cell survival.”

Other sections of the review focus on the significance of DHA on aging, and the role it plays in evolving studies on Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders.

Another case of fish oil support: Omura reports successful resolution in many cases, utilizing the powerful effects of the eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and DHA fatty acids in fish oil.⁵

He notes that when peripheral nerve fibers are hypersensitive from nerve injury due to viral infection, “use of Vitamin B1 25 mg, two times a day for an average adult often accelerates recovery time.”

As an anti-viral agent for the herpes virus family, Omura found that EPA at doses between 180 mg and 350 mg (depending upon body weight) four times a day for two to six weeks, without prescribing the common anti-viral agent Acyclovir, often eliminated the symptoms due to

viral infection, including all well- known types of the herpes virus, such as herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus.

Synergistic support for the nerves

There are several other nutrients that have made the news for their support of the nervous system, and a few are presented here, for a synergistic effect that maximizes the various mechanisms by which they all work.

Curcumin’s overall effect on neuroglial cells has been described as “decreased astrocyte proliferation, improved myelogenesis (growth of new myelin sheaths around the nerve bundle), and increased activity and differentiation of oligodendrocytes.”⁶

Sulforaphane is found in high concentration in broccoli sprouts. The Journal of Neuroscience reported that it activated an antioxidant response and “conditions neurons against oxidative insult.”⁷ Several sources confirm that sulforaphane protects the brain and brain neurons.⁸

Garlic is a potent antioxidant. The Journal of Neuroscience reported that an ingredient in garlic enhances the antioxidant system responsible for protecting against neuronal loss.⁹

Ginkgo biloba has been called a “neuroprotector,” and the action of protection is described as the ability of ginkgo to detoxify, act as an antioxidant, and normalize energy transfer in brain neurons.¹⁰

Quercetin “contributes significantly to the protective effects on neuronal cells from oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity.”¹¹

Niacin is one of the nutrients that provides mitochondrial support and conserves growth factor receptors, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (made from niacin) has proven to be of clinical benefit in dementias and nerve disorders.¹²

Chromium supports nerve growth and has also been reported to be “one of the most researched nutritional supplements in conjunction with peripheral neuropathy.”¹³

There are many nutrients that have been studied for nerve support, and research is continually coming out that supports their use. The nutraceutical research in this area is proving to be a constant wonder.

Lynn Toohey, PhD, received her doctorate in nutrition from CO State University in Ft. Collins, Colo. She has lectured to chiropractors, chiropractic associations, and other health professionals across the country on nutrition-related topics, and has published numerous articles in peer- reviewed journals. She can be contacted at info@nutri-west.net or through www.nutriwest.com.

References

¹Binienda ZK, Beaudoin MA, Gough B, Ali SF, Virmani A. Assessment of 3-nitropropionic acid-evoked peripheral neuropathy in rats: neuroprotective effects of acetyl-l-carnitine and resveratrol. Neurosci Lett. 2010 Aug 16;480(2):117-21.

²Albani D, Polito L, Signorini A, Forloni G. Neuroprotective properties of resveratrol in different neurodegenerative disorders. Biofactors. 2010 Sep;36(5):370-6.

³Bashmakov YK et al. Resveratrol may be beneficial in treatment of diabetic foot syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 2011;doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2011.05.016.

⁴Bazan NG, et al. Docosahexaenoic Acid signalolipidomics in nutrition: significance in aging, neuroinflammation, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Annu Rev Nutr. 2011 Aug 21;31:321-51.

⁵Omura Y. Treatment of acute or chronic severe, intractable pain and other intractable medical problems associated with unrecognized viral or bacterial infection: Part I. Acupunct Electrother Res. 1990;15(1):51-69.

⁶Ambegaokar et al. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24:469-73.

Ambegaokar SS, Wu L, Alamshahi K, et al. Curcumin inhibits dose-dependently and time-dependently neuroglial proliferation and growth. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24:469-73.

⁷Kraft AD, Johnson DA, Johnson JA. Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2-Dependent Antioxidant Response Element Activation by tert-Butylhydroquinone and Sulforaphane Occurring Preferentially in Astrocytes Conditions Neurons against Oxidative Insult. J Neurosci. 4 February 2004;24(5):1101-1112.

⁸Ping Z, Liu W, Kang Z, et al. Sulforaphane protects brains against hypoxic-ischemic injury through induction of Nrf2-dependent phase 2 enzyme. Brain Res. 2010 Jul 9;1343:178-85. Epub 2010 Apr 24.

⁹Wassef R, et al. Methionine sulfoxide reductase A and a dietary supplement S-methyl-L-cysteine prevent Parkinson’s-like symptoms. J Neurosci. 2007 Nov 21;27(47):12808-16.

¹⁰Head KA. Peripheral neuropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and alternative therapies. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Dec;11(4):294-329.

¹¹Filomeni G, et al. Neuroprotection of kaempferol by autophagy in models of rotenone-mediated acute toxicity: possible implications for Parkinson’s disease. Neurobiol Aging. 2010 Jun 29. [Epub ahead of print]

¹²Kidd PM. Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management. Altern Med Rev. 2005;10(4):268-293).

¹³Head KA. Peripheral neuropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and alternative therapies. Altern Med Rev. 2006;11(4):294-329.