Scientists discover a natural compound that could protect the brain from too much salt
Eating too much salt may do more than raise blood pressure. It could also harm memory and social behavior. In a new study, Japanese researchers discovered that a soy-derived compound called LPC70 helped protect mice from several damaging effects of a high-salt diet. Mice given the supplement had lower blood pressure, better memory, and improved social interactions compared with mice consuming excess salt alone.
Key points
- Japanese researchers found that a soy-derived compound, LPC70, reduced blood pressure and memory problems in mice fed a high-salt diet.
- LPC70 lowered salt-related signaling changes in the kidneys and restored a protective receptor in the brain's prefrontal cortex.
- The mouse study was published in Neurochemistry International, and human trials are still needed.
Researchers in Japan have identified a soy-derived compound, LPC70, that reduced some effects of a high-salt diet in mice, including raised blood pressure and problems with memory and social interaction. The findings were released online on May 14, 2026, and published in Volume 197 of Neurochemistry International on July 1, 2026.
The team was led by Professor Akihiro Mouri and Dr. Hisayoshi Kubota of Fujita Health University, working with Dr. Kazuhiro Kagotani of Tsuji Oil Mills Co., Ltd. and Mie University. LPC70 is a form of soy lysolecithin in which lysophosphatidylcholine makes up more than 70% of the phospholipids.
What the mouse study found
Mice on a high-salt diet developed elevated blood pressure, became less socially interactive and had trouble recognizing objects they had encountered before. Their general movement and anxiety-like behavior showed no substantial changes.
When LPC70 was added to their diets, blood pressure improved and the mice performed better on tests of social interaction and object recognition memory.
Our study elucidates LPC70's role in PG signaling, laying the groundwork for future clinical research and dietary interventions
— Prof. Mouri
Different effects in kidneys and brain
In the kidneys, LPC70 reduced salt-related increases in COX-2 and the PGE2 receptor EP3, which may contribute to salt-linked high blood pressure. In the prefrontal cortex, it restored expression of the PGD2 receptor DP1, linked to protective signaling, without changing DP2.
The authors say the compound's effects depend on the organ and the specific prostaglandin receptors involved. They note the results come from animal experiments and that clinical studies are needed to see whether the same benefits occur in humans.
