Compounds found in coffee may be able to fight Parkinson’s

A study from the Rutger’s University states that it has found a compound in coffee that may combine with caffeine to fight Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that is currently incurable. According to the lead author M. Maral Mouradian, director of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Institute for Neurological Therapeutics and William Dow Lovett Professor of Neurology, prior research has shown a link between drinking coffee and reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. While caffeine has always been coffee’s hero component, turns out it has more than a thousand other compounds that deserve more recognition.

The study singularly focused on a fatty acid derivative called, EHT (Eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide. EHT is found in the coffee bean’s waxy coating. The study has found that it protects brains of mice against abnormal protein accumulation associated with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

The researchers found that the EHT compound only helped in preventing the accumulation of harmful protein in the brain when it was combined with caffeine.Mouradian also added, further research was required to determine the correct dosage and ratio of EHT and caffeine.

"EHT is a compound found in various types of coffee but the amount varies. It is important that the appropriate amount and ratio be determined so people don't over-caffeinate themselves, as that can have negative health consequences," she said.