Research Paper Volume 9, Issue 3 pp 1041—1054

Daily supplementation with GrandFusion® improves memory and learning in aged rats

Jin Yu1, , Hong Zhu1, , Stephen Perry2, , Saeid Taheri1, , Mark S. Kindy1,3,4, ,

  • 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
  • 2 NutriFusion®, LLC, Atlanta, GA, USA
  • 3 James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, FL, USA
  • 4 Shriners Hospital for Children, Tampa, FL, USA

Received: January 9, 2017       Accepted: March 17, 2017       Published: March 24, 2017      

https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101209
How to Cite

Abstract

Studies have shown that supplementation with extracts from various sources, including fruits and vegetables reverse the age-related changes in movement and cognition. We hypothesized that these beneficial effects result from the presence of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the fruits and vegetables that contribute to reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death while potentially enhancing neurogenesis. The present study was performed to determine the impact of supplementation with GrandFusion®(GF) to aged Fisher 344 rats for 4 months to determine the impact on attenuation or reversal of the age-related deficits. When the aged rats consumed a diet enriched with the extracts the results showed an improved motor performance, and enhanced cognitive functions. In addition, the rats showed reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and enhanced neurogenesis, Nrf2 and anti-oxidant expression. The effect of GF extracts on the augmentation of memory and learning is significant and may function through the modulation of antioxidant enzymes, signaling pathways and additional mechanisms to improve the aging process. These studies further support the recommendation of USDA for the consumption of fruits and vegetables to improve healthy aging.

Abbreviations

GF: GrandFusion; OS: oxidative stress; ROS: reactive oxygen species; MDA: malondialdehyde; TBARS: thiobarbituric acid reactive species; SOD: superoxide dismutase; BDNF: brain derived neurotrophic factor; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein; AAT: anti-aging therapies.