Scientists at the University of Texas at El Paso have discovered that substances extracted from coffee grounds may have the potential to counteract neurodegenerative changes in the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These substances, derived from caffeic acid, can be used to create carbon quantum dots. These points, in turn, can protect brain tissue by scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidation without causing significant side effects.

The scientists emphasized that caffeic acid, which belongs to the polyphenol family, has unique antioxidant properties and is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, affecting cells inside the brain.