0000000000922894
AUTHOR
Bernardo Puccio
Orally administered indicaxanthin is able to modulate human motor cortical excitability and plasticity
Opuntia Ficus Indica contains Indicaxanthin (IX), an antinflammatory and antioxidant betalaine pigment. This phytochemical is also able to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) in rats and modulate neuronal activity. Considering these evidence, we aimed at investigating if orally administered IX could affect human brain tissue. 8 healthy and right-handed male subjects were recruited (20-45 years) with no history or clinical signs of neurological diseases, brain trauma or use of drugs acting on neuronal process, as assessed by a clinical neurologist. Non invasive Brain Stimulation and Neuromodulation (NIBS and NIN) instructions were applied in basal condition (T0) and 2 hours after having assu…
EFFECTS OF INDICAXANTHIN ON HUMAN MOTOR CORTICAL EXCITABILITY AND PLASTICITY
The role of nutraceuticals has risen interest in the last decade for complex biological activities exerted on pathophysiological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory conditions and excitotoxicity. In this regard, the effects of nutraceuticals on basic functions of neuronal processes, such as cortical excitability and cortical plasticity are still to be unveiled. Translational studies performed on phytochemicals (PhC) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could trace the path for the possible modulation of neuronal excitability in humans, phenomena involved in neurodegenerative alterations and cell stress. In this context, Opuntia ficus indica is a mediterranean plant…