Researchers in the Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University recently published their findings on how an extract found in cinnamon bark (CEppt) can inhibit development of Alzheimer's. Professors Ovadia, Gazit, Segal and Frenkel published this article in the journal PLoS ONE, and I found this information through Medical News Today (URL:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/229809.php). The researchers conducted their studies on mice who were genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's, as well as fruit flies. After giving the extract in water for four months, they found decreased levels of development of Alzheimer's and activity levels and longevity were then comparable to healthy animals and flies. They stated the extract breaks up amyloid fibers, as well as inhibited the formation of the oligomers and fibrils that lead to plaque in the brain of Alzheimer's victims.
As always, it's a HUGE leap from mice and fruit flies to man, plus you would need to take a toxic level of cinnamon in order to receive the therapeutic benefits seen in the studies. BUT--it's exciting to know that this simple spice, which is already known to have benefits for taming blood sugars, and preventing viral infections, is now being studied as a possible prevention or cure for Alzheimer's--most likely without side effects! Time will tell as the researchers continue their quest and we'll keep hoping.
