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

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.

Impact of nutrition on inflammation, tauopathy, and behavioral outcomes from chronic traumatic encephalopathy

“…Recent studies from our group have demonstrated that application of nutrient rich diets may alter the outcomes associated with neurological disorders, aging, and TBI [ 27 , 34 ]. As shown previously, mice provided a diet enriched in fruits and vegetables help to attenuate the damage instigated by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and maintain behavioral parameters [ 27 ].…”

“…These studies also further validated that phyto-nutriceuticals were capable of limiting inflammation and oxidative stress while stimulating neuronal proliferation. We also showed that when aged rats were provided the GF diets, there appeared to be an effect upon the aging process by a reduction in inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and an increase in behavioral movement [ 34 ]. A recent related study showed that when mice were pre-exposed to these diets, there was a protection from the detrimental effects of TBI.…”

“…Relative levels of tau, p-tau, GFAP, iba-1, cathepsin B, and actin in the supernatant fraction from the brain extract were determined by Western blot (polyclonal antibodies: Cathepsin B, sc-13985; β-actin, sc-130657; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA; tau, ThermoFisher, Rochester, IL; p-tau, ThermoFisher, Rochester, IL; iba-1, DAKO, Santa Clara, CA), as described previously [ 34 ]. Relative intensities of Western blot bands were assessed by densitometry in triplicate for each sample.…”

The Effect of Diet on Improved Endurance in Male C57BL/6 Mice

“…GrandFusion ® (GF) diets contain a mixture of fruits and vegetables, which are highly enriched in vitamins that are able to limit the extent of cerebral ischemia injury and reverse several parameters of stroke, such as inflammation, oxidative stress and behavioral changes [ 9 ]. Additionally, GF extracts have been shown to improve memory and learning in aged rats, which is mediated by antioxidant enzymes and signaling pathways [ 10 ]. Previous studies have shown that GF diet has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective and neurogenic properties [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Additionally, GF extracts have been shown to improve memory and learning in aged rats, which is mediated by antioxidant enzymes and signaling pathways [ 10 ]. Previous studies have shown that GF diet has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective and neurogenic properties [ 9 , 10 ].…”