Neurometabolite changes in cingulate cortex regions in healthy Indian population and effect of Bacopa monnieri...

The present study investigates the age-related neuro-metabolite changes in anterior-cingulate cortex (ACC) and posterior-cingulate cortex (PCC) and their correlation with cognitive performance. The study also probes the impact of formulations of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.), a well-known nootropic, on neuro-metabolite concentration, cognitive performance and brain health. We performed ¹H MRS from ACC and PCC and neuropsychological test on three cohorts, younger age (25-40 years, n = 37), middle age (41-55 years, n = 28) and older age group (56-85 years, n = 31). In addition, the subjects with age 50 years and above from the cohorts received three months interventions of Brahmi Ghrita (BG) (n = 9), Brahmi extract (n = 9), and Plain Ghee (n = 8). MRS data were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc-tests for comparisons between age-groups, and paired-t-test was performed for pre- and post-intervention comparisons. Partial correlations were performed between neurometabolites and neuropsychological scores, controlling SNR, gender. Our results showed increased concentration of tCho, tCr, mI and tNAA in anterior and posterior cingulate cortex with aging. The increased concentration of these metabolites correlated positively with the age whereas metabolites tCho, tCr, and mI correlated inversely with auditory verbal learning (AVL), immediate recall, and delayed recall memory. The preliminary post-intervention findings revealed that the dietary fat-based formulation of Bacopa monnieri (BG) partially reversed the increase concentration of tCho, tCr, mI and improved AVL, digit span forward (DS-F) cognitive function performance. Overall, the results of the study suggest that BG can be potential prophylactic intervention for brain, especially in ageing population.