Ashitaba Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

Scientists at the Biomedical Group of TAKARA Shuzo Co Ltd* have discovered that in vivo production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is enhanced by several compounds contained in Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidzumi).

NGF is a protein essential in the development and survival of certain neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

This protein is expected to be effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer-type dementia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and as yet cannot be manufactured. However NGF-production enhancers such as ashitaba can pass through the blood-brain barrier to work in the brain and increase the NGF concentration.

NGF delays, prevents or alleviates Alzheimer-type dementia

NGF alleviates peripheral neuropathy

(a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which originate from the brain and spinal cord) - a common side affect of diabetes.

Rats were fed a diet containing 1% Ashitaba dry powders (estimated dose: 750 mg/kg/day) for four days. The rats showed as high as about 20% increase of NGF concentration in the gastrocnemial muscle compared to animals given a normal diet.

Other notes about NGF:

NGF plays an important role in the smooth transition of signals along the nerves and from cells to cells. Imbalance of these signals contributes to the growth of cancers, inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma.
In 2005, Italian scientists at Pavia University found that when people first fall in love they have high levels of the nerve growth factor (NGF) [that "honeymoon glow"], but these levels return as they were after one year.
NGF may also play a role in relieving depression.

The scientists have demonstrated the possibility that dementia and peripheral neuropathy can be prevented by taking the medicinal foods such as Ashitaba daily.

* http://www.takara-bio.com/news_e/2001/07/17.htm (5,756 bytes) 17 July, 2001