p-Coumaric acid enhances long-term potentiation and recovers scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments

Year Published: 2017

Biochem Biophys Res Commun

Kim HB, Lee S, Hwang ES, Maeng S, Park JH

This study was designed to examine the neuroprotective effects of p-coumaric acid, which is a polyphenol that is found in peanuts. Investigators tested whether administration of p-coumaric acid was able to positively affect learning and memory, even when they induced memory impairment in the rats.

Key Findings: Authors found that p-coumaric acid seemed to enhance synaptic strength and protected against memory impairment. P-coumaric acid also prevented deficits in avoidance memory. Authors concluded that this compound "may have a significant therapeutic value to improve memory-impaired individuals, especially in age-related memory decline."