Experts say it helps get rid of progressive neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. All this can be done with the help of a tea! New research has found that a combination of natural compounds can keep your brain "clean". A recent study by the University of California found that a combination of natural compounds, one of which is found in tea, helps restore energy levels in ageing brain cells while clearing harmful protein buildup, which is linked with Alzheimer's disease. Findings of the study, published in the journal GeroScience, say a combination of naturally occurring compounds - nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, and epigallocatechin gallate, a green tea antioxidant - can restore the levels of guanosine triphosphate, an essential energy molecule in brain cells. Experts believe it removes harmful protein buildup linked with Alzheimer's disease that causes cognitive decline, apart from rejuvenating ageing brain cells. The scientists tested the green tea treatment on neurons in a dish and found that it improved the brain cells' ability to clear damaging amyloid protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's. "As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components. We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function," lead author Gregory Brewer, professor of biomedical engineering at UC Irvine, said in a statement. How was the study conducted? Researchers said they tracked energy molecule levels in cells from aged Alzheimer's model mice using a genetically coded fluorescent sensor known as GEVAL. It was found that the guanosine triphosphate, or GTP, levels reduced with age, especially in mitochondria, which led to impaired autophagy - the process by which cells eliminate damaged components. But when they treated the neurons for just 24 hours with nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate, the GTP levels came back to normal. This process improved energy metabolism, activation of key GTPases involved in cellular trafficking, Rab7 and Arl8b, and efficient clearance of amyloid beta aggregates. Oxidative stress, which is another major contributor to neurodegeneration, is also reduced. "This study highlights GTP as a previously underappreciated energy source driving vital brain functions. By supplementing the brain's energy systems with compounds that are already available as dietary supplements, we may have a new path toward treating age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease," Brewer said.