Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have discovered that used coffee grounds may hold the key to treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study suggests that compounds extracted from the coffee grounds, known as Caffeic-acid based Carbon Quantum Dots (CACQDs), could have a protective effect on brain cells, particularly in the early stages of these conditions.
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions in the U.S., and the cost of care for those affected is substantial. The UTEP researchers’ groundbreaking study sheds light on the potential of used coffee grounds to offer a viable solution to these debilitating diseases.
Lead by Jyotish Kumar and supervised by Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., the research team discovered that CACQDs have the ability to shield brain cells from the harmful effects of neurodegenerative diseases caused by factors such as obesity, age, and exposure to environmental toxins. Their cutting-edge work has been described in a paper published in the influential journal Environmental Research.
Kumar explains, “Our aim is to find a cure by addressing the atomic and molecular underpinnings that drive these conditions. Caffeic-acid based Carbon Quantum Dots have the potential to be transformative in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.”
The findings have significant implications for potential treatments, as CACQDs have been shown to be neuroprotective across various experiments and models, particularly in cases triggered by pesticides. The unique properties of Caffeic acid, a key compound in the CACQDs, make it an ideal candidate for intervention in neurodegenerative diseases, as it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier to exert its effects.
Not only are CACQDs promising for their therapeutic potential, but the process of extracting them from used coffee grounds is also environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the researchers are looking to secure additional funding to advance their research and further test the potential applications of CACQDs in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
The journey to finding a medication that can prevent the majority of neurodegenerative diseases, caused by factors other than genetics, may still be far off, but UTEP’s research represents a pivotal step towards a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of neurodegenerative medicine.
