The effect of black mulberry (Morus nigra) consumption on cognitive functions and antioxidant capacity in individuals with dementia

The aim of this study is to observe the effect of black mulberry (Morus Nigra) concentrate on cognitive functions, antioxidant capacity, inflammation, and some biochemical parameters. Study was conducted in Ankara Gulhane Training and Research Hospital Geriatric Polyclinic with 44 patients over the age of 65 who were diagnosed with dementia by the physician. The study was completed with 20-person experimental group and 19-person control group. The experimental group was given 20 grams of black mulberry concentrate per day for 12 weeks. Nothing was given to control group (n=19). Routine treatments of both groups continued throughout the study. At the beginning and at the end of the study, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test was conducted to screen the nutritional status of individuals. In order to evaluate antioxidant capacity in serum samples Superoksit dismutaz (SOD) enzyme, Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), and oxidative stress index level were examined. Furthermore, in order to evaluate lipid oxidation, Malondialdehit (MDA) level was examined. For the evaluation of inflammation, serum Interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta) and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) levels were measured. During the evaluation of cognitive situation, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test and The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS Cog) test were applied. In order to determine physical independency of patients in their daily living activities, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL) was conducted and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF) was applied for measurement of emotional status. At the end of the study, although there is a statistically significant decrease in MMSS test of control group (p<0.05), the decrease in experimental group's MMSS test is not statistically significant (p>0.05). On the other hand, with respect to ADAS-Cog test, while there is a statistically significant decrease in experimental group, the decrease in control group is not statistically significant (p<0.05). Although there is an increase in GDS-SF values for both groups, only the increase in control group was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). There is a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin values in experimental group (p<0.05). With respect to SOD, TGF-beta and TAS levels there is not statistically significant change. Although a statistically significant decrease in IL-1 beta levels is observed for those who do not take dementia drugs in experimental group, decrease in control group is not found to be statistically significant. For both groups, there is a statistically significant decrease in MDA levels (p<0.05). With respect to TOS and oxidative stress index levels, a statistically significant increase was found for only control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, although the effect of black mulberry (Morus Nigra) on antioxidant capacity and inflammation is limitedly observed in this study, it may have a positive effect on cognitive functions.