Mushroom and Silymarin Supplementation to Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease Progression: A Research Protocol

Abstract

As life expectancy continues to rise, the incidence of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases. Curative fronts remain far from satisfactory. Interestingly, the gut microbiome may modulate brain functions. Shiitake mushroom β-(1,3)/(1,6)-glucans are dietary fibres that attenuate pro-inflammatory signalling, and silymarin is a neuroprotective agent, but their effect on AD progression remains elusive. This research protocol aims to examine the effects of shiitake mushroom β-glucan and silymarin supplementation in early-stage AD to reduce progression. A literature search was conducted to formulate this protocol. The potential of this nutraceutical supplementation against AD progression will be tested within mice models. Experimental groups will be fed with mushroom β-glucans and/or silymarin supplementation. Cognitive testing will involve novel object exploration time and Y-maze tests. Furthermore, brain and intestine tissues will be analyzed ex vivo to understand the nutraceutical supplement’s effects on the gut-brain axis in AD. It is anticipated that results demonstrate a synergistic effect of mushroom β-glucans and silymarin to reduce AD progression. This proposed nutraceutical supplement shows promise in reducing AD progression for individuals with early-stage AD. It also provides the foundation for future research on accessible interventions for cognitive impairment.