Chinese scientists have discovered a new compound that can allegedly cure Alzheimer's disease. The newly found treatment that makes use of flavonoids extracted from cotton petals is now in clinical trial.

Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, which is under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed this week that they have unveiled a potential treatment for the reversible and progressive Alzheimer's disease. In their study since 2003, they found that plant metabolites (known as flavonoids) have the capability to improve learning abilities in animals. These flavonoids, as claimed, were also helpful in improving memory in mice suffering from dementia and even those that were naturally old.

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The scientists identified 20 flavonoid compounds in the cotton petals. They formulated tablets that provides similar effect when administered in small dosages. The institute signed an agreement with a pharmaceutical company to apply their latest findings. 

Naturally, cotton grows in a protective case, also called as bolls. Cotton petals transist from creamy white to yellow, then to pink and dark red. Three days after, they start to wither and fall off and what is left is the green pods, or the cotton bolls. These petals were thought to be of no use and were thrown away before, but after they were discovered to have medicinal properties, they are now worth 15 yuan per kilograms in the market. Xinjiang is the major producer of cotton in China. 

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain degenerative disease that primarily affects old people. It is mostly characterized by changes in memory, thinking and behavior. In 2010, the Chinese population had more people suffering with Alzheimer's diseases compared with other nations. What's more, the number of cases is twofold higher compared with what the World Health Organization previously thought.

TagsAlzheimer's Disease, Chinese Scientists, cotton balls, flavonoids, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry