Innovations Item Code: IN-2024-2100428
Sector: Health/Telemedicine
Description:
The two plants Raphiostylis beninensis and Syzigium malaccensis are used traditionally as memory and cognitive enhancers.
In-vitro studies confirming these properties have been done in my research.
The leaf extracts have been found to possess acetycholinesterase enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory and NRF2 activation properties.
These three activities they possess are indicative of their ability to enhance memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
Compounds ( plant chemical constituents) with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties have also been isolated in the course of the research validating their traditional use.
Preparation for animal studies on Raphiostylis beninensis has commenced at the moment.
Animal studies will also be conducted on the two plant extract combination and will be compared with Donezepil a standard acetylcholinesterase inhibitory drug.
The nanoemulsion of the two plant extracts will formulated and also tested on animals first.
Positive findings will lead to clinical trials of the product in Alzheimer's disease patients.
The product can be used as supplements for the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease patients and as medications upon completion of clinical trials.
It could possibly restore memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients.
Stage of Innovation: Proof of Concept (You have created something to show the innovation can work)
Problem:
There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer's disease a deadly disease.
The medications only provide symptomatic relief and are associated with severe side effects.
In addition the cost of the medications are too high for the average Nigerian that lives on less than a dollar a day.
Hence there is the need to develop more affordable treatment options which can be produced with locally sourced raw materials. There is also the need to come up with products that can be taken for prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Unique Selling Point: There are some natural supplements in the market for memory and cognitive enhancement e.g. Gingko biloba, Ginseng, Neurozan etc. They have proven effecitive to an extent, however none of them have been able to restore memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients. One of the major challenges is the ability of the plant substance to cross the blood brain barrier. The nanoemulsion to be created due to the extremely small particle size, will be able to effectively cross the blood brain barrier, hence increasing the bioavailablity in the brain and ultimately the efficacy of the memory and cognitive enhancing property. In addition this formulation will be the first of its kind.