Progress and Prospects in Parkinson's Research/Therapy/Neuroprotection/Phytic Acid

"Phytic acid is a powerful antioxidant and it has been hypothesised that it could have neuroprotective qualities for PD patients. Research is at the stage of basic data gathering."

Background
Phytic acid (known as inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), or phytate when in salt form) is the principal storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues, especially bran and seeds.

Research
2003

Obata examined the antioxidant effect of phytic acid on iron (II)-enhanced hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation induced by MPP+ in the extracellular fluid of rat striatum. The results were :-

"These results suggest that the antiradical effect of phytic acid occurs by chelating iron required for the MPP(+)-enhanced *OH generation via the Fenton-type reaction."

2008

Xu et al tested the hypothesis that excess iron associated with cell death in PD could be reduced by the application of phytic acid. They tried this on rats pre-treated with MPP+ to render them Parkinsonian. Their results concluded:-

"Collectively, our results demonstrate a significant neuroprotective effect of phytate in a cell culture model of PD."

2011

Xu et al repeated the 2008 research with a number of variables. The conclusion:-

"Together, our data suggest that IP6 protects against 6-OHDA-induced cell apoptosis in both normal and iron-excess conditions, and IP6 may offer neuroprotection in PD."