Natural Combination of Compounds Revives Aging Brain Cells

August 9, 2025

Research Uncovers Natural Combination to Reverse Brain Aging

Scientists have discovered a natural blend of compounds that can potentially reverse the decline of brain cells associated with aging, while also eliminating harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. This treatment merges nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) with epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant found in green tea. It appears to reinstate levels of guanosine triphosphate (GTP), which is essential for energy and the cleanup of proteins in neurons.

Among aged neurons, the revived energy levels not only enhanced protein clearance but also diminished oxidative stress and reactivated vital pathways for cellular movement. These findings could indicate a promising non-drug approach to addressing Alzheimer’s, although further research is needed to improve the method of delivery.

Key Facts

Energy Restoration: The combination of nicotinamide and green tea antioxidant elevated GTP levels in older neurons back to those found in younger cells.
Protein Clearance Improvement: The treatment enhanced the brain’s ability to eliminate toxic amyloid beta aggregates.
Potential Non-Pharmaceutical Approach: These results suggest that a supplement-focused strategy may offer a way to prevent or address Alzheimer’s.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have made strides in identifying a promising non-drug treatment that revitalizes aging brain cells and clears toxic protein accumulation associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a study recently published in the journal GeroScience, the UC Irvine team reported that a mixture of naturally sourced compounds—nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate—can restore guanosine triphosphate levels, which are crucial for brain cell energy.

In experiments involving neurons in vitro, the treatment reversed the cellular deficits that often come with age and improved the brain cells’ ability to expel damaging amyloid protein aggregates, a well-known indicator of Alzheimer’s.

Lead author Gregory Brewer, an adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at UC Irvine, noted, “As we age, brain energy levels drop, which hampers the removal of unnecessary proteins and damaged components. We’ve shown that boosting these energy levels helps neurons perform this essential cleanup.”

The research utilized a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor called GEVAL to monitor live GTP levels in neurons derived from aging Alzheimer’s model mice. It was found that GTP levels diminished with age, particularly in mitochondria, which are responsible for cellular energy, leading to hindered autophagy—the method by which cells rid themselves of damaged parts.

However, when aged neurons were treated for just 24 hours with nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate, GTP levels returned to those typically present in younger cells.

This resurgence sparked a series of positive outcomes: enhanced energy metabolism, activation of crucial GTPases related to cellular transport (Rab7 and Arl8b), and effective clearance of amyloid beta aggregates. Additionally, oxidative stress—which contributes to nerve cell degeneration—was also lessened.

Brewer emphasized that this study spotlights GTP as a previously undervalued energy source essential for brain functions. He suggested that by incorporating compounds already available as dietary supplements, we may discover new avenues for tackling age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

He did caution, though, that more investigation is necessary to find the ideal way to deliver this treatment, as a recent clinical trial showed that oral nicotinamide was ineffective due to its breakdown in the bloodstream.

The research team included Ricardo Santana, a UC Irvine associate specialist in biomedical engineering, and Joshua McWhirt, a junior specialist at UC Irvine, who is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina.