Medical research is ongoing, if not on the rise, and that’s for a reason: our bodies and the world around us are still keeping so many secrets. That’s why it's not surprising that more and more ways of keeping you healthy, and for longer, are being discovered. Nootropics, among the latest finds in current events in science, promise to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health.
A Quick Recap on Nootropics
Nootropics, often referred to as "cognitive enhancers," are substances that are believed to improve cognitive function, including memory, creativity, motivation, and overall brain health. Including them into your wellness routine is becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to enhance their mental performance and productivity.
Nootropics can include a wide range of substances, from natural compounds found in plants to synthetic drugs. Some of the most well-known natural nootropics include caffeine, found in coffee and tea, and L-theanine, found in green tea, which are known to improve alertness and focus. Others, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are believed to support brain health and function.
Where Can You Find Trigonelline?
It's only fair that natural nootropics like coffee are still under study because the secret to preserving muscle strength and function as we age might just lie in some natural substances like coffee, fenugreek, and even in our own bodies. We’re talking about a chemical called trigonelline, which has been examined in the latest scientific research, published in March 2024.
Now, since we are sure that you all know about coffee, you might never have heard of fenugreek, so before we reveal what the latest scientific research has uncovered, let’s start from the basics. Fenugreek is an herb native to the Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and South Asia. It's commonly used both as a culinary spice and as a medicinal herb due to its numerous health benefits.
Fenugreek has been used for a very long time in both old medicine and inside the kitchen, as a spice. It has been employed to alleviate inflammation, menstrual cramps, and digestive problems, among other conditions. It's also thought that fenugreek contains qualities that can help decrease cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek has drawn notice lately because of its possible benefits for enhancing muscle function and health, especially in elderly persons. As the old medicine teaches, its high concentration of substances like trigonelline, which have been connected to a number of health advantages.
New Research in Medical Science
So, onto trigonelline. This new research in medical science led by various institutions including Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) has shed light on the potential of trigonelline to combat sarcopenia, a condition characterised by the gradual weakening of muscles due to ageing.
Sarcopenia is a serious problem since it causes a rapid loss of strength, muscular mass, and physical independence. The two fundamental causes of sarcopenia are mainly reduced activity of our mitochondria, the cells' energy factories, together with a drop in the cellular coenzyme NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) throughout ageing.
According to recent scientific studies, trigonelline levels were lower in elderly people with sarcopenia. On the other hand, giving this natural compound to pre-clinical mice raised mitochondrial activity and dramatically elevated NAD+ levels, which in turn helped to preserve muscular function as a person aged.
But how does trigonelline do it? It turns out that a variety of dietary precursors, such as the important amino acid L-tryptophan and various forms of vitamin B3, such as nicotinamide, nicotinamide riboside, and nicotinamide mononucleotide, can raise NAD+ levels.
Assistant Professor Vincenzo Sorrentino from NUS Medicine's Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme elaborated on the importance of this latest scientific research, stating, "Our findings expand the current understanding of NAD+ metabolism with the discovery of trigonelline as a novel NAD+ precursor and increase the potential of establishing interventions with NAD+-producing vitamins for both healthy longevity and age-associated diseases applications."
What’s sure is that the implications of this discovery don’t stop at this. The hopes are high, since the researchers predict a future where interventions targeting NAD+ production could not only promote healthy ageing but also mitigate age-related diseases thanks to NAD+ health benefits.
Jerome Feige, who leads the Physical Health department at Nestlé Research, is especially excited about how trigonelline can be used practically, believing that the compound has great potential for improving how our cells work and keeping our muscles healthy as we get older.
In essence, this latest scientific research highlights how important it is to eat well and stay active to keep our muscles healthy as we grow older. Discovering that a natural molecule found in everyday foods can impact how our cells age offers new ways to fight against the effects of ageing and enhance our overall health and well-being as we age.
NMN: The NAD+ Precursor Supplement
We’ve explored why NAD+ is so important: not only does it ensure that our energy centres are up and running, but also that they can do so for a very long time. That’s why researchers haven’t stopped at trigonelline. One of the latest discoveries in the wellness space is NMN, NAD+ precursor supplement, which the body can use to produce NAD+.
Research indicates that NMN supplementation helps counteract age-related decline in NAD+ levels, supporting various aspects of healthy ageing. By replenishing NAD+ levels, NMN can enhance mitochondrial function, improve DNA repair, and promote cellular energy metabolism, all of which are crucial for maintaining optimal health as we age.
As you sip the third cup of black coffee knowing that it’s full of trigonelline (we’re joking, remember to consume coffee in moderation), try adding some NMN in your water or beverage to exploit the full potential of NAD+ on your body. to maximise the benefits of NAD+ on your body. Simply Nootropics provides high-quality NMN Powder, ensuring your mitochondria receive the support they need, for longer. With trigonelline and NMN included in your wellness routine, you'll have better control over healthy ageing.
