One & Only KESUM! - OTHERS HESITATE TO SAY.
This mechanism is similar to Donepezil, a modern drug used for neurological disorders.
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The Honorable . Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri (photo left) |
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Minister of Women, Family &
Community Development.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development.
YB Datuk Sri Dr. Norini Ahmad
(photo left)
Yes, there is growing
scientific evidence that Polygonum minus (Kesum) can support brain health,
particularly by promoting neuroprotection, improving cognitive function, and
potentially delaying neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's.
Based on available research, here are key mechanisms by which Kesum may help:
🧠
brain
1.
Increased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
(BDNF) Production. Kesum
extract
has been shown to increase BDNF levels, which plays a crucial role in
neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (strengthening
connections between neurons). BDNF helps protect against cognitive decline,
making it beneficial for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
2.
Enhanced Cerebral Blood Flow & Oxygenation. Kesum
contains active compounds like quercetin, rutin, and polyphenols, which have
been linked to improved blood circulation in the brain. This promotes better
oxygen and nutrient delivery, helping the brain function optimally and reducing
the risk of vascular dementia.
3.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress & Inflammation.
Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to Alzheimer’s
and dementia. The antioxidant properties of Kesum neutralize free radicals,
reducing damage to brain cells and preventing early neuron degeneration.
4.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
Inhibition for Memory Support. Some studies suggest that Kesum extract inhibits
acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a key
neurotransmitter for memory and learning.
This
mechanism is similar to Donepezil, a
commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s drug, but with natural benefits.
5.
Stress & Cortisol Regulation. Chronic stress
and high cortisol levels contribute to brain aging and memory loss. Kesum’s
adaptogenic properties may help reduce stress-induced cognitive decline.
6.
Possible Link to Amyloid
Beta & Tau Protein Reduction. While more clinical studies are
needed, early research suggests that polyphenols in Kesum may reduce
amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Tau
protein tangles, another Alzheimer’s marker, may also be minimized through
Kesum’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Kesum as a Daily Brain Booster.
Daily intake of Kesum extract
or supplements may help protect, enhance, & strengthen brain function.
By increasing BDNF, improving
blood flow, reducing inflammation, & supporting neurotransmitter balance,
Kesum presents a scientifically supported approach to slowing cognitive decline
and potentially delaying dementia & Alzheimer's.
Kesum’s brain-boosting benefits
& its potential role in slowing down dementia & Alzheimer’s.
Title:
"Kesum – A Natural Brain Booster for Cognitive Longevity"
i.
Introduction. Brief description of Polygonum
minus (Kesum) as a natural neuroprotective herb. Key focus: Supports brain
function, enhances memory, and may slow dementia & Alzheimer’s progression.
ii.
How Kesum Supports Brain Health
· 🧠✅
Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) → Promotes new neuron growth & stronger brain connections.
· 🧠✅
Enhances Blood Flow & Oxygenation → Improves focus, mental clarity & reduces brain fog.
· 🧠✅
Reduces Oxidative Stress & Inflammation → Protects brain cells from damage & aging.
· 🧠✅
Supports Memory & Learning → Inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), similar
to Alzheimer's drugs.
· 🧠 ✅
Regulates Stress & Lowers Cortisol → Prevents cognitive decline from chronic stress.
· 🧠✅
Potential Reduction of Amyloid Beta & Tau Proteins. May help prevent Alzheimer’s progression.
iii. Daily Intake Recommendations Suggested Kesum extract dosage based existing research. 500 mg - 2 Capsules.
iv.
Scientific Credibility. “Consistent use
of Kesum may protect, enhance, & strengthen brain function - keeping the mind
sharp as you age.”
Here is the Kesum – A Natural
Brain Booster for Cognitive Longevity the key benefits of Kesum for brain
health, memory support, & its potential role in slowing dementia and
Alzheimer's.
Acetylcholinesterase
(AChE) inhibitors, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, block
the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter, thus increasing ACh
levels and prolonging its effects, primarily used to treat conditions like
Alzheimer's disease and myasthenia gravis.
AChE inhibitors work by
preventing the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine,
which is responsible for transmitting nerve signals.
Conditions Treated:
Alzheimer's Disease: AChE
inhibitors are used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a
neurodegenerative disorder that causes cognitive decline.
Myasthenia Gravis: These
inhibitors can also be used to treat myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular
disorder that causes muscle weakness.
Other Conditions: They may also
be used for other conditions, such as Lewy body dementia & as a reversal
for neuromuscular blockage.
Examples of AChE Inhibitors:
Some commonly used AChE
inhibitors include donepezil, galantamine, & rivastigmine.
Other Names:
AChE inhibitors are also
referred to as anticholinesterases or cholinesterase inhibitors.
Historical Context:
AChE inhibitors were first
administered in Europe to human subjects in the 1860s, & synthetic
derivatives of the natural alkaloid inhibitors were developed in the 1930s to
modulate peripheral cholinergic function.
Kesum has specific
clinical evidence (2% BDNF increase) based on blood tests, whereas other herbs
have supportive but not identical clinical proof of this effect
🧠
brain.
Myasthenia gravis
(MG)
is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness, primarily
affecting voluntary muscles, due to the body's immune system mistakenly
attacking the communication between nerves & muscles.
Myasthenia gravis is a
long-term condition where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells or
proteins needed for normal functioning, specifically the nerve-muscle junction.
The condition causes muscle
weakness, especially in the eyes, face, throat, & limbs, leading to
difficulties with eye movements, swallowing, breathing, & speaking.
Myasthenia gravis is an
autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its
own tissues.
The disease disrupts the
communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction, which
is the point where nerve signals are transmitted to muscles, causing them to
contract.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms include
fluctuating muscle weakness, which worsens with activity & improves with
rest.
There is no cure
for myasthenia gravis, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve
quality of life.
Treatment options include
medications to suppress the immune system, plasmapheresis to remove antibodies
from the blood, & in some cases, surgical removal of the thymus gland.
"Myasthenia" &
"Gravis":
The term "myasthenia"
refers to muscle weakness, while "gravis" means severe.
🧠
brain.
Can Kesum (Polygonum minus)
Help with Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an
autoimmune neuromuscular disorder where the body's immune system attacks
acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to
muscle weakness and fatigue, especially in the eyes, throat, & limbs.
Modern medicine typically uses acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g.,
Donepezil, Pyridostigmine) to improve nerve signal transmission by increasing
acetylcholine availability.
How Kesum May Help Beyond Donepezil
While Kesum is primarily known
for cognitive enhancement, it also contains bioactive compounds that could
support nerve-muscle communication & reduce autoimmune attack. Here’s how
Kesum’s potential benefits could go beyond Donepezil:
i.
Increases Acetylcholine Levels (Neurotransmitter
Support). Donepezil works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), preventing
the breakdown of acetylcholine. Kesum also shows natural AChE inhibition,
helping to maintain higher acetylcholine levels, which is crucial for muscle
contraction & nerve signaling.
This means Kesum could support muscle function & prevent
rapid fatigue in MG patients.
ii.
Enhances Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
(BDNF) by 2%. BDNF supports nerve regeneration and synaptic plasticity. Increasing
BDNF may help protect and repair neuromuscular connections, slowing the
progression of MG.
iii.
Anti-Inflammatory & Immune Modulation. MG is
an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks
nerve-muscle junctions. Kesum has strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
effects, potentially reducing immune system aggression against acetylcholine
receptors.
This could slow down the muscle damage process seen in MG.
iv.
Protects Nerves & Muscles from Degeneration.
In MG, muscle fibers and nerves weaken over time. Kesum’s high antioxidant
content (quercetin, polyphenols) helps protect nerve cells & muscle tissue
from oxidative stress.
This means less nerve-muscle destruction, preserving motor
function for longer.
v.
Enhances Blood Circulation to Nerves &
Muscles Poor circulation can worsen muscle fatigue and weakness in MG. Kesum
improves microcirculation, ensuring better oxygen and nutrient delivery to
affected neuromuscular junctions.
Can Kesum Prevent Myasthenia
Gravis?
While Kesum may not completely
prevent MG, its ability to protect neuromuscular junctions, regulate immune
response, & support neurotransmitters could delay onset or reduce severity
in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
Regular consumption could act
as a neuroprotective shield, preventing excessive nerve damage over time.
A Natural Alternative to
Strengthen Nerve-Muscle Communication
Kesum’s benefits extend beyond
Donepezil by not only improving neurotransmitter function but also reducing
inflammation, boosting neuroprotection, & supporting long-term nerve-muscle
health.
While more clinical studies are
needed, Kesum has strong potential as a complementary therapy for MG and other
neurodegenerative disorders.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Prevalence in Malaysia & ASEAN
The prevalence of Myasthenia
Gravis (MG) in Malaysia is not well documented in large-scale studies, but
smaller studies indicate a growing number of cases. One study found that MG
affects a diverse demographic, with a higher number of cases observed in older
patients (average age of 54 years) & more common in males than females. In
this study, 57% of patients had anti-AChR antibody positivity, a key marker for
MG.
👉📣https://www.neurology-asia.org/articles/neuroasia-2022-27(1)-125.pdf
At a broader level, the prevalence of MG globally has increased significantly in recent years. In ASEAN countries, data is limited, but studies from Europe and North America indicate a prevalence rate ranging from 91.7 to 586 cases per million people, with an increasing trend due to better diagnosis and awareness. 📣👉 https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(24)00450-7/fulltext
Based on these numbers, Malaysia & ASEAN countries are expected to experience a similar rise in MG cases, especially with aging populations.
KESUM, Current Treatments &
Potential.
Modern treatment for MG primarily includes cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, & monoclonal antibodies. Donepezil, which is used for Alzheimer’s, is sometimes explored for its neuromodulatory effects but is not a primary MG treatment.
👉📣https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(24)00450-7/fulltext
h
Since MG is an autoimmune
disease affecting neuromuscular transmission, preventing or delaying nerve &
muscle deterioration is a key treatment goal. Kesum, known for its potential
brain neuroprotection & BDNF-boosting properties, might help slow disease
progression. If Kesum can improve neuromuscular signaling & reduce
inflammation, it may offer supportive benefits alongside conventional MG
treatments. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects in MG
patients.
Future Outlook
Given the rising prevalence of
MG and the limitations of existing treatments, natural neuroprotective
ingredients like Kesum could be an important area for research. While Kesum's
effect on MG is not yet studied extensively, its ability to enhance brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF) & improve neuronal resilience could make it a
potential complementary therapy to protect against nerve-muscle degradation.
Kesum (Polygonum minus) has
shown neuroprotective effects that could potentially help with conditions like
myasthenia gravis (MG), although direct clinical evidence is still lacking.
Kesum’s Potential in Supporting
Myasthenia Gravis
i.
Neuroprotection & Acetylcholine Support. MG
is an autoimmune disorder that weakens skeletal muscles due to disrupted
communication between nerves & muscles, often linked to decreased
acetylcholine receptor function.
A study on Kesum’s extract (PMEE) found that it can increase
acetylcholine levels & inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that
breaks down acetylcholine. This mechanism is similar to Donepezil, a modern
drug used for neurological disorders.
ii.
Oxidative Stress Reduction.
Oxidative stress plays a role in MG by damaging neurons &
muscles. Kesum has been shown to activate Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB/IκB
pathways, reducing oxidative damage and inflammation, which may help slow
disease progression. It contains strong
antioxidants like quercitrin and afzelin, which contribute to neuroprotection.
iii.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Chronic
inflammation is a major factor in MG. Kesum has anti-inflammatory properties
that may help protect nerves & muscles from further damage.
Can Kesum Prevent Myasthenia
Gravis?
While Kesum shows promising effects in protecting neurons, improving acetylcholine levels, & reducing oxidative stress, there is no direct evidence yet that it can prevent or fully stop MG. However, its benefits suggest it could be explored as a complementary approach to delay symptoms or improve quality of life for MG patients.
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