Researchers at Kumamoto University found a natural compound from pomegranate leaves and branches. This compound can break apart protein clumps that cause transthyretin amyloidosis. This illness can harm the nerves and heart.
Pomegranate trees are famous for their fruit. The researchers focused on different parts of the tree for new medicine. They named the important compound 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-?-D-glucose (PGG). In TTR amyloidosis, a protein called transthyretin can change shape and form harmful clumps in the body.
The team tested 1,509 plant extracts. Pomegranate extracts stood out because they broke down these clumps. They identified PGG as the active ingredient.
In lab tests, PGG broke apart amyloid fibrils from both normal and mutant forms of the protein. It did not affect other harmful protein types related to Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers also tested PGG on worms with human TTR and saw positive results for health and lifespan.
Further studies are needed to check the safety and effectiveness of PGG in humans. It may help treat transthyretin amyloidosis in the future.
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