Background Persicaria minor extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has potential effects on cognitive function and mood. However, the effects of P.minor on brain activation and biomarkers have not been studied among older adults. This multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 months P.minor extract supplement (Biokesum®) on cognition, mood, biomarkers, and brain activation among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Method A total of 36 Malaysian community-dwelling older adults with MCI (60–75-year-old) were randomized into Biokesum® (n = 18) and placebo group (n = 18). Each subject consumed one capsule of Biokesum® (250 mg/capsule) or placebo (maltodextrin, 280 mg/capsule) twice daily for 6 months. Cognitive function and mood were assessed at baseline, 3rd, and 6th-month using neuropsychological tests (MMSE, Digit Span, RAVLT, Digit Symbol, and Visual Reproduction) and Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. Blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and biomarkers (MDA, LPO, COX-2, iNOS, and BDNF) were measured at baseline and 6th month. By the end of the intervention, there were 30 compliers (Biokesum®: N = 15; Placebo: N = 15) and 6 dropouts. For brain activation assessment, 15 subsamples (Biokesum®: N = 8; Placebo: N = 7) completed N-back and Stroop tasks during fMRI scanning at baseline and 6th month. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann’s area 9 and 46) was identified as a region of interest (ROI) for brain activation analysis using SPM software. Results Two-way mixed ANOVA analysis showed significant improvements in Visual Reproduction II (p = 0.012, partial η2 = 0.470), tension (p = 0.042, partial η2 = 0.147), anger (p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.207), confusion (p = 0.041, partial η2 = 0.148), total negative subscales (p = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.145), BDNF (p = 0.020, partial η2 = 0.179) and triglyceride (p = 0.029, partial η2 = 0.237) following 6 months of Biokesum® supplementation. Preliminary finding also demonstrated significant improvement at 0-back task-induced right DLPFC activation (p = 0.028, partial η2 = 0.652) among subsamples in Biokesum® group. No adverse events were reported at the end of the study. Conclusion Six months Biokesum® supplementation potentially improved visual memory, negative mood, BDNF, and triglyceride levels among older adults with MCI. Significant findings on brain activation at the right DPLFC must be considered as preliminary. Trial registration Retrospectively registered on 30th August 2019 [ISRC TN12417552].
Hypertension is a worldwide problem and a major global health burden with high salt intake as one of the factors often related to it. Public exposure to a high salt diet has contributed to the increase in prevalence of hypertension among the Malaysian population. Improving the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to salt intake is a key component of effective blood pressure control. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the association of KAP of healthy salt intake toward blood pressure among the elderly residing in a semi urban area of Klang Valley Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted among Malay elderly, aged 60–81 years old residing in Bandar Baru Bangi. Subjects were required to answer the questionnaire via face to face interview regarding KAP of Salt Intake, together with sociodemographic and health profiles. Anthropometry parameters and blood pressure were measured. A total of 94 elderly [57.5% women with mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 26. 46 ± 4.16, 42.5% men with mean BMI of 27.31 ± 5.19] have participated in the study. Results indicated that the overall KAP score was average (57.4%). However, majority showed a positive attitude toward reducing the salt intake. BMI was found to have significant correlation with blood pressure (r = 0.278, p < 0.05). Higher education level was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with good knowledge scores while younger subjects have a positive attitude toward healthy intake of salt (p < 0.05). Subjects with higher knowledge scores were also observed to have the more controlled blood pressure compared to those who scored less. Attitude and practices score showed no significance difference (p > 0.05) with blood pressure. Younger age, higher level of education and living partner or elderly was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Overall, this study showed that knowledge toward healthy salt intake, BMI, education level, and living with others were significantly associated with the blood pressure among the elderly. Further education and intervention is required to improve knowledge on healthy salt intake among elderly as part of the prevention from hypertension.
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