Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 08, 2026 1 hour, 15 minutes ago
Researchers Discover Natural Pigment That Protects Brain Cells in Lab Tests
Scientists in Taiwan have identified a naturally occurring compound from algae that may help protect brain cells from one of the damaging processes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests that phycocyanobilin (PCB), a pigment found in cyanobacteria and red algae, can reduce harmful cellular aging and inflammation triggered by toxic amyloid-beta proteins.
Scientists found that an algae-derived compound protected brain cells from Alzheimer’s-related aging and
inflammation in laboratory experiments.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung County, Taiwan, and the Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Why This Discovery Matters
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is marked by memory loss, confusion, and gradual decline in thinking abilities. One of its major hallmarks is the buildup of amyloid-beta proteins that damage brain cells over time.
Rather than simply killing neurons, these toxic proteins can push cells into a condition known as cellular senescence. In this state, cells stop functioning normally and begin releasing inflammatory substances that can harm nearby healthy cells, accelerating brain aging.
The researchers wanted to determine whether PCB could interrupt this damaging process.
What the Scientists Found
Using human neuron-like cells grown in the laboratory, the team exposed them to toxic amyloid-beta oligomers that mimic important aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cells exposed to the toxic proteins showed dramatic damage. Their survival dropped sharply, while signs of cell injury, inflammation, DNA damage, and premature aging increased significantly.
However, when the cells were treated with PCB before exposure, the results improved considerably. Cell survival increased, damage to cell membranes was reduced, and many of the biological markers linked to aging declined.
This Thailand
Medical News report highlights that PCB also reduced the number of senescent cells, lowered inflammatory molecules including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, decreased DNA damage, and reduced activity of aging-related proteins such as p53, p21, and p16. At the same time, the compound restored levels and activity of SIRT1, an important protective protein that helps cells repair DNA, regulate inflammation, maintain healthy metabolism, and resist aging.
SIRT1 Appears to Be the Key
To better understand how PCB worked, the researchers blocked SIRT1 using a chemical inhibitor called EX527.
Once SIRT1 was inhibited, many of PCB's protective effects became much weaker. Brain cells again showed higher inflammation, increased DNA damage, greater signs of senescence, and lower survi
val.
These findings strongly suggest that much of PCB's protective action depends on restoring normal SIRT1 activity. By reactivating this natural defense system, PCB appears to help brain cells better cope with the stress caused by amyloid-beta proteins.
Still Early Research
Although the findings are encouraging, the experiments were performed only in cultured human neuron-like cells. The researchers emphasized that laboratory cell models cannot fully reproduce the complexity of the human brain, including interactions with immune cells, blood vessels, and supporting brain tissue.
Additional studies involving animal models and eventually human clinical trials will be needed to determine whether PCB can safely provide similar benefits in people with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that phycocyanobilin may represent an exciting naturally derived compound capable of protecting brain cells from several damaging processes linked to Alzheimer's disease simultaneously. While much more research remains before any clinical application is possible, the study provides compelling evidence that targeting cellular aging through SIRT1 activation could become an important future strategy for slowing neurodegeneration rather than merely treating its symptoms.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/15/2579
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/alzheimer,-dementia-
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