July 2024

Phytochemicals encompass a diverse array of compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and more, each with unique properties and potential benefits for brain health. Studies have shown that these compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which may contribute to their positive effects on cognitive function and mood regulation.

Research exploring the impact of phytochemical-rich diets on neuropsychological outcomes has yielded promising results. For example, studies have found that higher intake of flavonoid-rich foods, such as berries, citrus fruits,² and cocoa,³ is associated with improved cognitive performance, including memory, attention and executive function. Similarly, consumption of foods high in polyphenols, such as green tea, nuts, and olive oil, has been linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Emerging evidence suggests that phytochemicals may influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain. For instance, some phytochemicals can decrease nitric oxide activity in neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease).⁴ There are medications that can have similar effects of neurotransmitters but have a heavier side effect profile whereas phytochemicals found in foods are generally regarded as safe.



Incorporating phytochemical-rich foods into one's diet may offer a natural and accessible approach to supporting brain health and cognitive function. While further research is needed to fully find the mechanisms underlying the effects of phytochemicals on neuropsychological outcomes, the existing evidence highlights the importance of dietary diversity and plant-based nutrition in promoting brain health coupled with a focus on whole foods and phytochemicals to add treatment value for neuropsychological diagnoses.

North Carolina FCS (Family and Consumer Science) Institutes

North Carolina Extension is an amazing resource that puts research findings into the hands of the public through the programs provided by agents. Family and Consumer Science Agents help consumers gain better access to healthy foods (often from local farmers), learn how to make and store healthy meals, and build healthier lifestyles. FCS agents must keep on top of current research in the topics where they have programs so that they can offer the most up-to-date information to their local consumers. 

The FCS Institutes was a three-day event in Greensboro, NC, where agents learned about new programs and research to pass along in their home counties. I had the honor of presenting the PhytoRx program with the FCS agent from Iredell County, Andrea Sherrill. We helped the agents understand PhytoRx and how they could use the established resources within their counties to create a robust, personalized program.

I also co-presented information on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet with Extension Specialist and researcher, Basheerah Enahora, PhD. She is currently working on a CDC grant to implement comprehensive programming to increase access to healthy food and physical activity in some of the neediest counties in North Carolina.

Therapeutic Horticulture from NC Botanical Garden

Research is showing that mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can be treated with a variety of nature-based interventions.⁵ Along with STEM Education Extension Associate, Amy Bowman, I recently completed a certificate program in Therapeutic Horticulture from the North Carolina Botanical Garden. This eight-month program incorporates plant-based techniques into a practice of helping people become the healthiest version of themselves. 

The course included a hands-on project where we put our TH knowledge into practice. Amy and I delivered weekly programming for 13 weeks at a Senior Living affordable housing complex in Charlotte, NC. We helped 15 seniors build a community garden club using 10 raised beds on the property. Residents learned how to create community within their living space, plan a vegetable garden, choose plants, plant seeds using several methods, cook healthy vegetable recipes, and incorporate mental health into their garden club practices. 

Amy’s Extension programming directly supports school gardens and she will incorporate therapeutic horticulture foundations into training of school garden teachers and volunteers. (Check out her program and resources) While the connection is not as direct with PhytoMedicine, I recognize that the relationship to food is more than simply meeting the body's needs for nutrients. A tangled web of experience, taste preference, accessibility and emotional responses influence the decisions we make in choosing the food to fuel our bodies. As such, I hope to employ some of these TH techniques as I continue developing programming for PhytoMedicine.

Citations

1. Coenen M, Cabello M, Umlauf S, Ayuso-Mateos JL, Anczewska M, Tourunen J, Leonardi M, Cieza A; PARADISE Consortium. Psychosocial difficulties from the perspective of persons with neuropsychiatric disorders. Disability and Rehabilitation 2016.

2. Abdel-Kawy MA, Aboulhoda BE, Michel CG, Sedeek MS, Kirollos FN, Masoud MA. Ameliorating effect of Citrus trifoliata L. fruits extract on motor incoordination, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease model. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2023.

3. Wang J, Varghese M, Ono K, Yamada M, Levine S, Tzavaras N, Gong B, Hurst WJ, Blitzer RD, Pasinetti GM. Cocoa extracts reduce oligomerization of amyloid-β: implications for cognitive improvement in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2014.

4. Behl T, Rana T, Sehgal A, Makeen HA, Albratty M, Alhazmi HA, Meraya AM, Bhatia S, Sachdeva M. Phytochemicals targeting nitric oxide signaling in neurodegenerative diseases. Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry. 2023.

5. Coventry PA, Brown JE, Pervin J, Brabyn S, Pateman R, Breedvelt J, Gilbody S, Stancliffe R, McEachan R, White PL. Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM - Population Health. 2021.