The causes of brain inflammation include infection and neurodegenerative disease and can lead to symptoms such as hallucinations and the loss of consciousness. Some supplements may help to protect against brain inflammation. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any brain conditions with supplements.
Grape Seed
Grape seed may be able to protect against Alzheimer's disease by reducing inflammation in the brain. A study published in 2009 in "Neurotoxicity Research" found that in Alzheimer's disease mice models, grape seed extract led to less inflammation of the brain. Also, the grape seed extract was well tolerated by the mice throughout long-term supplementation.
Curcumin
Curmumin, an active compound in the spice turmeric, may help to protect against brain inflammation. A study published in July 2008 in "Neuropharmacology" found that curcumin supplementation in mice reduced neuroinflammation. Therefore, the researchers mention that curcumin is potentially may prevent neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Herbal Formula
An herbal formula called FBD consists of three herbs: Poria cocos, a type of fungus; Atractylodes macrocephala, a Chinese herbal medicine; and Angelica sinensis, known as the female ginseng in Chinese medicine. In mice, these three herbs used in combination therapy were able to reduce clinically induced brain inflammation, according to a study published in June 2008 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology."
L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid, or a protein component. L-arginine may help protect against brain inflammation, particularly that caused by heat stroke. A study published in February 2008 in "Shock" found that L-arginine supplementation led to a reduction of brain inflammation, which increased the survival rate related to heat stroke in rats. The L-arginine was given intravenously 70 minutes after exposure to heat stress.
References
- "Neurotoxicity Research"; Consumption of Grape Seed Extract Prevents Amyloid-β Deposition and Attenuates Inflammation in Brain of an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse; Yan-Jiang Wang, Philip Thomas, Jin-Hua Zhong, et al.; 2009
- "Neuropharmacology"; Curcumin Structure-Function, Bioavailability, and Efficacy in Models of Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's Disease; Aynun N. Begum, Mychica R. Jones, Giselle P. Lim, et al.; July 2008
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Herbal Formula FBD Extracts Prevented Brain Injury and Inflammation Induced by Cerebral Ischemia--Reperfusion; Zhihong Lin, Danni Zhu, Yongqing Yan, et al.; June 2008
- "Shock"; l-Aginine Causes Amelioration of Cerobrovascular Dysfunction and Brain Inflammation During Experimental Heatstoke; Yen-Chia Chen, Yu-Chi Liu, David Hung-Tsang Yen, et al.; February 2008
