A Novel Approach: Utilizing Spent Coffee Grounds for Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention and Treatment

Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have discovered that compounds extracted from used coffee grounds, namely Carbon Quantum Dots, may provide a novel approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have shown promise in protecting brain cells from the damage associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, particularly in their initial stages.

This innovative research at The University of Texas at El Paso suggests that these compounds from spent coffee grounds could play a key role in preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases by safeguarding brain cells.

Millions in the United States are impacted by neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. The financial burden of caring for individuals with these diseases amounts to hundreds of billions annually.

The University of Texas at El Paso researchers may have discovered a groundbreaking solution in the form of used coffee grounds, a widely discarded material globally.

Potential Neuroprotective Properties of Coffee Grounds

Under the guidance of Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., a chemistry and biochemistry professor and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, doctoral student Jyotish Kumar’s team identified that Carbon Quantum Dots derived from caffeic acid in spent coffee grounds could protect brain cells from neurodegenerative damage. This potential is particularly significant when the diseases are triggered by factors like obesity, aging, and exposure to harmful chemicals, including pesticides. Their findings are detailed in a November issue of the journal Environmental Research.

“Carbon Quantum Dots based on caffeic acid could revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders,” stated Kumar. “Current treatments only manage symptoms without addressing the core causes. Our goal is to cure by targeting the fundamental atomic and molecular aspects of these diseases.”

Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases in Early Stages

Characterized by the loss of neurons, neurodegenerative diseases impair basic and complex functions, from movement and speech to cognitive abilities. In their early stages, these diseases often share characteristics like elevated free radicals and the accumulation of amyloid protein fragments, leading to brain plaques.

Kumar’s team discovered that these Carbon Quantum Dots were effective in protecting against Parkinson’s disease in various models, including when the disease was induced by a pesticide named paraquat. The dots not only neutralized free radicals but also prevented amyloid protein aggregation, without significant side effects.

Preventive and Therapeutic Potential in Early Stages

The researchers propose that early-stage treatments with these compounds could effectively prevent the full onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

“It’s vital to intervene before these disorders become clinically advanced,” Narayan emphasized. “Later-stage treatments are often prohibitively expensive. Our goal is an affordable, preventive solution for a wide range of patients.”

The Unique Role of Caffeic Acid

Caffeic acid, a polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties, is unique in its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, impacting brain cells directly, explains Narayan.

The extraction of these compounds from coffee grounds is an eco-friendly process. The grounds are heated at 200 degrees for four hours to alter the carbon structure of caffeic acid, forming these beneficial dots. The abundance of coffee grounds makes this method both cost-effective and sustainable.

Continuing Research and Future Directions

Supported by a National Institutes of Health grant, this project involved numerous UTEP graduate and undergraduate students. The team, including former undergraduate Sofia Delgado now at Yale University, plans to seek further funding for extended testing.

While the journey to a potential medication is still long, Narayan and Kumar are hopeful about developing a pill that could prevent most neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those not caused by genetics.

Reference: “Caffeic acid recarbonization: A green chemistry, sustainable carbon nano material platform to intervene in neurodegeneration induced by emerging contaminants” by Jyotish Kumar, Sofia A. Delgado, Hemen Sarma, and Mahesh Narayan, 19 August 2023, Environmental Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116932

Funding: NIH/National Institutes of Health

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More about Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

• University of Texas at El Paso Research
• Neurodegenerative Diseases and Treatment
• The Role of Carbon Quantum Dots
• Impact of Caffeic Acid on Brain Cells
• Environmental Research Journal Article