Pomegranate Juice Augments Memory and fMRI Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Mild Memory Complaints
Bookheimer SY, Renner BA, Ekstrom A, Li Z, Henning SM, Brown JA, Jones M, Moody T, Small GW · Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2013 January
DOI 10.1155/2013/946298
Objective
To investigate the cognitive effects of pomegranate juice on older subjects with age-associated memory complaints through a preliminary, placebo-controlled randomized trial, using memory testing and functional brain activation (fMRI) as outcome measures.
Conclusions
The pomegranate group, compared to the placebo group, demonstrated a significant improvement in the Buschke selective reminding test of verbal memory, increased plasma trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and urolithin A-glucuronide levels. Additionally, fMRI scans revealed higher activity during verbal and visual memory tasks in the pomegranate group, suggesting a potential role for pomegranate juice in augmenting memory function through task-related increases in functional brain activity.
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Insights
Pomegranate juice can enhance memory function and brain activity in tasks related to verbal and visual memory in older adults experiencing memory problems.
The study was a preliminary, placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving 32 older participants with memory complaints. They were randomly tasked to consume 8 ounces of either pomegranate juice or a placebo drink that had a similar flavor daily for a duration of 4 weeks. Before and after the study duration, the subjects underwent memory tests and functional MRI scans while involved in cognitive tasks. Additionally, blood samples were extracted to ascertain peripheral biomarkers. The test subjects and investigators were oblivious to the groupings to ensure objectivity.
The results from the study pointed out that the group that had pomegranate juice had notable improvements in their verbal memory as determined by the Buschke selective reminding test and also a rise in their antioxidant capacity. This group also recorded increased fMRI activity during tasks related to verbal and visual memory in comparison to the placebo group. This may suggest that consumption of pomegranate juice may boost memory function by elevating functional brain activity during tasks.
Related insights
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- Pumpkin seeds have been shown to provide neuropharmacological benefits such as reducing anxiety and depression, and improving memory.
