Date of Completion

Summer 8-14-2021

Thesis Advisor(s)

Joseph Crivello; Xinnian Chen

Honors Major

Physiology and Neurobiology

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Biology | Nutrition | Physiology

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disease presents itself in a complex array of illnesses that is increasingly affecting the geriatric population. There has not been research on a common cause since there are a culmination of reasons that are probable ranging from genetic to environmental factors. Antioxidants have been known to prevent and protect against the damage that is otherwise caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, high-capacity antioxidant juices supplemented into the diet of animal models such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, rats, and humans will allow for the study of the possible benefits.

Although a conclusion and common causation on the usage of antioxidant-rich nutrients and longevity have not been explicitly found yet, there is a correlation between the polyphenol content of antioxidant-rich substances and the longer lifespan and reduced health issues within many animal species. This combination of preventative medicine and nutrition is known in one term as nutraceuticals.

In addition to the prevention of chronic health problems, the antioxidant-rich substances mentioned, specifically Aronia melanocarpa, may be utilized to enhance sport performance. This may be achieved by reducing the cell damage that occurs with high impact physical activity. I hope that my findings may contribute to further studies on preventative measures against a number of diseases.

Download

Share

COinS