Plant compound found in spices and herbs increases brain connections

[universecannon]

Interesting paper:

Commitment of human pluripotent stem cells to a neural lineage is induced by the pro-estrogenic flavonoid apigenin

Quotes from the news article:

"The scientists observed that just by applying apigenin to human stem cells in a dish they become neurons after 25 days - an effect they would not see without the substance. Moreover, the neurons that were formed made stronger and sophisticated connections among themselves after being treated with this natural compound."

 

[Nathanial.Dread]

Certainly very interesting, but as a general PSA to readers who might be up on biochem/mol bio, I'd be really careful with this information. In general, it's good to limit exposure to anything that's going to be disrupting regulation of cell differentiation. I've used compounds in lab settings that have similar effects, and they're not things you'd want to have a party with. Getting a diet rich in flavenoids is definitely a good thing, but I wouldn't recommend anyone go looking at the pure compound as a nootropic.

Apigenin is also a potent inhibitor of at least one CYP450 enzyme, so it could certainly be contraindicated in a variety of circumstances.

This is definitely a score for Moms everywhere telling their kids of eat their fruits and veggies :d

Blessings
~ND