The Effects of Black Mulberry Fruit Extract, Sunflower Seed, and Pumpkin Seed with Exercise on Memory Function and Neural Activation Biomarkers among Healthy Young Adults

Nor Aijratul Asikin Mohamad Shalan^1*, Norhazira Abdul Rahim¹, Norazalina Saad²

¹Faculty of Sport Science and Coaching, Sultan Idris Education University, Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia.

²UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Corresponding Author Email: aijratul@fsskj.upsi.edu.my

Neuronal survivability is fundamental for optimum memory performance and human wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the effect of black mulberry (Morus nigra) fruit extract, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed and exercise on memory span and neuroplasticity-related biomarkers. Study participants (n=40) were randomly assigned into four groups; 1) Negative control, 2) Treatment (100mg/kg body weight black mulberry + 50mg/kg body weight sunflower seed + 50mg/kg body weight pumpkin seed), 3) Exercise (30 min. slow run, heart rate monitored between 128-130bpm), and 4) Treatment and exercise (100mg/kg body weight black mulberry + 50mg/kg body weight sunflower seed + 50mg/kg body weight pumpkin seed + 30 min. slow run). All subjects in groups 2, 3, and 4 were required to complete cognitive task assessment for domain memory span on day 0 (baseline), 30, and 60 of experiments. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study and the concentrations of glucocorticoid receptor-α (GCR-α), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations were determined using ELISA kit. The results revealed that isolated treatment resulted in an improvement in the reaction time for the measure of memory span while the combination with exercise did not provide an additional effect. As for serum analysis, GCR-α level was significantly lower in all groups, whereas BDNF concentration was doubled in treatment and exercise group compared to the control group. GDH concentration only increased significantly in the treatment group. These findings highlighted the potential of black mulberry fruit in combination with sunflower seed and pumpkin seed on improving memory function by enhancing the production of neuroplasticity marker and reducing the secretion of stress hormone.

Black Mulberry; Exercise; Memory; Neuroprotection; Pumpkin Seed; Sunflower Seed

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