The research team treated AD model mice with gossypetin through intragastric administration for three months and concluded that their impaired memory and cognition were almost restored to the normal level. Furthermore, they saw a decrease in the various types of Aβ aggregates, which are commonly found in the brain tissue with AD-type dementia.

The researchers then collaborated with Professor Jong Kyoung Kim (Department of Life Sciences at POSTECH) and proceeded with single-cell <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="

” data-gt-translate-attributes='[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]’>RNA sequencing. The analysis demonstrated that gossypetin prevented the expression of genes associated with gliosis, which promotes chronic inflammatory reactions while increasing the expression of genes associated with Aβ phagocytosis. In other words, gossypetin facilitated microglia’s Aβ clearance.

Professor Kyong-Tai Kim explained, “We have confirmed that removing Aβ aggregates deposited in the brain is effective in preventing and treating dementia. Gossypetin from hibiscus will contribute to the development of a safe and affordable drug for patients suffering from AD.”

Reference: “Gossypetin ameliorates 5xFAD spatial learning and memory through enhanced phagocytosis against Aβ” by Kyung Won Jo, Dohyun Lee, Dong Gon Cha, Eunji Oh, Yoon Ha Choi, Somi Kim, Eun Seo Park, Jong Kyoung Kim and Kyong-Tai Kim, 21 October 2022, Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy.
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01096-3

The study was conducted with the support from NovMetaPharma Co., and clinical trials are planned for developing a treatment for dementia prevention and treatment that use gossypetin.