Rosa Chinensis Cv. ‘Jinbian’ Flowers Alleviates Brain Damage And Cognitive Deficit By Inhibiting Ferroptosis Via The Keap1/Nrf2/Gpx4 Pathway And Regulating Gut Microbiota
Brain damage and cognitive decline are significant health concerns, impacting memory, learning, and overall brain function. Recent research has explored a natural approach to address these issues, focusing on the potential benefits of a specific type of rose flower extract.
The study suggests that extracts from these ‘JinBian’ rose flowers can help protect the brain and enhance cognitive abilities. One key mechanism involves preventing a process called ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a recently identified form of cell death that is dependent on iron and lipid peroxidation, essentially a type of cellular rusting that can damage brain cells. The rose extracts appear to halt this process by influencing a crucial cellular defense system known as the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway. This pathway is vital for protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage, with GPX4 being a key enzyme that disarms harmful reactive molecules.
Beyond direct cellular protection, the research also points to the role of the gut microbiota. This refers to the vast community of bacteria residing in our intestines, which are increasingly recognized for their profound influence on brain health. The rose flower extracts seem to regulate this gut environment, contributing to the overall beneficial effects observed in the brain. This dual action—protecting brain cells from a specific type of death and fostering a healthy gut environment—highlights a promising natural avenue for supporting brain health and cognitive function.
Source: link to paper