Can nutraceuticals prevent Alzheimer's disease? Potential therapeutic role of a formulation containing shilajit and complex B vitamins

Arch Med Res. 2012 Nov;43(8):699-704. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2012.10.010. Epub 2012 Nov 3.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disorder displaying a prevalence and impact in constant expansion. This expansive and epidemic behavior is concerning medical and public opinion while focusing efforts on its prevention and treatment. One important strategy to prevent this brain impairment is based on dietary changes and nutritional supplements, functional foods and nutraceuticals. In this review we discuss the potential contributions of shilajit and complex B vitamins to AD prevention. We analyze the status of biological studies and present data of a clinical trial developed in patients with mild AD. Studies suggest that shilajit and its active principle fulvic acid, as well as a formula of shilajit with B complex vitamins, emerge as novel nutraceutical with potential uses against this brain disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diet therapy*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control*
  • Benzopyrans / administration & dosage
  • Benzopyrans / pharmacology
  • Benzopyrans / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Functional Food
  • Humans
  • Humic Substances
  • Medicine, Ayurvedic
  • Minerals
  • Resins, Plant / chemistry
  • Resins, Plant / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Benzopyrans
  • Humic Substances
  • Minerals
  • Resins, Plant
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • mumie
  • fulvic acid