(Technology Networks, 2021)
Researchers from Osaka City University have found a way to turn one man’s trash into another man’s treasure. Sesame seed oil is made using sesame seeds, and the shells of these seeds are usually thrown into the trash. However, it has been discovered that an abundant chemical in this waste, sesaminol, has protective properties against Parkinson’s disease (Osaka City University, 2021).
As it stands now, the Associate Professor at Osaka City University, Akiko Kojima-Yuasa, states that there are only coping treatments for Parkinson’s disease, and no preventive medicine. Oxidative stress causes neurons to exert extreme pressure due to an imbalance of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species. When this phenomenon happens to brain neurons involved with motor function, Parkinson’s disease occurs (EurekAlert!, 2021).
It has been discovered by a team at the Osaka City University that sesaminol promotes the translocation of a protein that is involved with the response to oxidative stress, Nrf2. This protein also reduces the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (Neuroscience, 2021). Tests have been performed on mice, showing an increase in dopamine levels, a significant increase in motor performance, and a significant increase in intestinal motor function (Neuroscience, 2021). With this discovery, the previously invaluable sesame seed shells may become a new coping treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
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