Neurogenesis Regrows Brain and Eye Tissue - Natural Eye Care Blog: News & Research on Vision

Scientists examine a brain model. Research into neurogenesis regrows brain Did you know your brain is capable of growing new cells and forging fresh connections, even as you age? The science of neurogenesis is reshaping our understanding of brain and eye health. Neuroplasticity isn’t just for kids! About 30 years ago, scientists began to acknowledge the brain’s amazing ability to adapt in all stages of life. In this article, we will discuss the science of neuroplasticity and how it impacts both the brain and the eyes. Also, we will talk about how neurogenesis regrows brain and eye tissue, and how it could improve eye conditions such as glaucoma. And, we will recommend nutrients that can help your brain build new connections and neurons.

Neuroplasticity

Through the mid-1990s, it was thought that the brain was not capable of generating new neurons and neural pathways. This theory has been totally debunked. Neurogenesis, the growth of neural tissue, is now part of our understanding of how the brain regenerates parts of itself and maintains its plasticity.

In 1998, researchers determined that neurogenesis occurs within the brain throughout life [1. Gage, F. (1998). Neurogenesis of hippocampus. Nat Med. 4, 1313-1317]. Neurogenesis and hippocampal plasticity can be stimulated and negatively regulated (inhibited) by extrinsic factors including environment, exercise, and diet [2. Thangthaeng N, Poulose SM, Gomes SM, Miller MG, Bielinski DF. (2016). Tart cherry supplementation improves working memory, hippocampal inflammation, and autophagy in aged rats. Age (Dordr). Dec; 38(5-6):393-404].

The rate of neurogenesis is tied to the quality of your life, including:

healthy cognitive function
better memory and faster learning
an effective immune system
positive mood
overall brain function

Neuroplasticity, also called neural plasticity, is the brain’s ability to regenerate neurons and form new connections. This process helps the brain recover and adapt after injury, oxidative stress, free radicals, or normal aging. Neuroplasticity allows your brain to stay flexible and resilient throughout life.

The neural pathways in our brain are all interconnected, allowing different parts of the brain to communicate with each other. The communication is called “synapsis.” Synapsis basically enables us to think and create communication to the rest of our cells in our body.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) helps control the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus [3. Li Y, Luikart BW, Birnbaum S, Chen J, Kwon CH, et al. (2008). TrkB regulates hippocampal neurogenesis and governs sensitivity to antidepressive treatment. Neuron. Aug 14; 59(3):399-412] [4. Palmer TD, Takahashi J, Gage FH. (1997). The adult rat hippocampus contains primordial neural stem cells. Mol Cell Neurosci. 1997; 8(6):389-404]. BDNF is needed for a healthy nervous system, clear thinking, and forming memories. It also supports brain development, keeps neurons alive [5. Neurotrophins: roles in neuronal development and function. Huang EJ, Reichardt LF Annu Rev Neurosci. 2001; 24():677-736], and helps them repair and connect with each other [6. Jones KR, Fariñas I, Backus C, Reichardt LF. (1994). Targeted disruption of the BDNF gene perturbs brain and sensory neuron development but not motor neuron development. Cell. Mar 25; 76(6):989-99] [7. Schwartz PM, Borghesani PR, Levy RL, Pomeroy SL, Segal RA. (1997). Abnormal cerebellar development and foliation in BDNF-/- mice reveals a role for neurotrophins in CNS patterning. Neuron. Aug; 19(2):269-81] [8. Lindsay RM. (1988). Nerve growth factors (NGF, BDNF) enhance axonal regeneration but are not required for survival of adult sensory neurons. J Neurosci. Jul; 8(7):2394-405] [9. Muramatsu R, Yamashita T. (2014). Concept and molecular basis of axonal regeneration after central nervous system injury. Neurosci Res. 2014 Jan; 78():45-9] [10. Ichim G, Tauszig-Delamasure S, Mehlen P. (2012). Neurotrophins and cell death. Exp Cell Res. Jul 1; 318(11):1221-8].

A new study further confirms that the brain continues to be able to produce new brain cells well into the later stages of adulthood [11. “Identification of proliferating neural progenitors in the adult human hippocampus” by Ionut Dumitru et al., 3 July 2025, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adu9575]. This study confirms that new brain cell generation occurs in the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in memory, learning, and emotional regulation.

Nerve Growth Factors

Nerve growth factors (NGF) in the brain help nerve cells grow and repair themselves. They may improve brain function in diseases like Alzheimer’s [12. Heese K, Low JW, Inoue N. (2007). Nerve growth factor, neural stem cells and Alzheimer’s disease. Neurosignals. 2006-2007; 15(1):1-12], Parkinson’s [13. De Munter JP, Melamed E, Wolters E. (2014). Stem cell grafting in parkinsonism–why, how, and when. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. Jan; 20 Suppl 1():S150-3] and Huntington’s disease [14. Rosser A, Svendsen CN. (2014). Stem cells for cell replacement therapy: a therapeutic strategy for HD? Mov Disord. Sep 15; 29(11):1446-54]. Neurotrophins, a type of growth factor, are also found in adult stem cell areas and may help tissues heal in other parts of the body, not just the brain.

There is evidence that pancreatic beta cells also produce nerve growth factors. These growth factors may help keep beta cells healthy and support their survival [15. Pierucci D, Cicconi S, Bonini P, Ferrelli F, Pastore D, Matteucci C, et al. (October 2001)].

Microglia

The process of neurogenesis and the function of the immune system are closely related [16. De Miranda AS, Zhang CJ, Katsumoto A, Teixeira A. (2017). Hippocampal adult neurogenesis: Does the immune system matter? J Neurol Sci. Jan 15;372:482-495]. Microglia regulate neurogenesis and shape neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus by attacking bacteria (phagocytosis) [17. Sierra A, Encinas JM, Deudero JJ, Chancey JH, Enikolopov G, et al. (2010). Microglia shape adult hippocampal neurogenesis through apoptosis-coupled phagocytosis. Cell Stem Cell. Oct 8; 7(4):483-95]. They dynamically interact with a number of cell types, including astrocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells.

Glial Cells

Glial cells help create a microenvironment that permits neurogenesis. They are generated alongside the new neurons in an associated but independently regulated process [18. Morrens J, Van Den Broeck W, Kempermann G. (2012). Glial cells in adult neurogenesis. Glia. Feb;60(2):159-74].

Top Foods That Support Neurogenesis and/or BDNF

These top four nutrients or foods are the most important for supporting neurogenesis and/or BDNF.

Blueberries

The polyphenols contained in blueberries support neurogenesis [19. Bensalem J, Dudonne S, Gaudout D, Servant L, Calon F, et al. (2018). Polyphenol-rich extract from grape and blueberry attenuates cognitive decline and improves neuronal function in aged mice. J Nutr Sci. May 21;7:e19] [20. Shukitt-Hale B, Bielinski DF, Lau FC, Willis LM, Carey AN, et al. (2015). The beneficial effects of berries on cognition, motor behavior and neuronal function in aging. Br J Nutr. Nov 28:114(10):1542-9], and protect cognitive capacity [21. Devore EE, Kangs JH, Breteler MM, Grodstein FA. (2012). Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline. Neurology. 72(1):135-43 22. Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Willis LM. (2009). Grape juice, berries, and walnuts affect brain aging and behavior. J Med. 139(9):1813S-7S].

Curcumin or Turmeric

Curcumin induces neurogenesis [23. Tiwari SK, Agarwal S, Seth B, Yadav A, Nair S, et al. (2014). Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles potently induce adult neurogenesis and reverse cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease model via canonical Wnt/B-catenin pathway. ACS Nano. Jan 28;8(1):76-103 24. Ibid. Poulose. (2017)], protects against oxidation of fats, and reduces neuron deterioration due to free radicals in neurodegenerative conditions [25. Shehzad A, Rehman G, Lee YS (2013). Curcumin in inflammatory diseases. Biofactors. Jan-Feb; 39(1):69-77 26. Kim GY, Kim KH, Lee SH, Yoon MS, Lee HJ, et al. (2005). Curcumin inhibits immunostimulatory function of dendritic cells: MAPKs and translocation of NF-kappa B as potential targets. J Immunol. Jun 15; 174(12):8116-24].

Goji Berries (lycium barbarum)

Goji berry supports neurogenesis[27. Cheng J, Zhou ZW, Sheng HP, He LJ, Fan XW, et al. (2014). An evidence-based update on the pharmacological activities and possible molecular targets of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. Drug Des Devel Ther. Dec 17;9:33-78], and protects against chemical-caused neurogenesis suppression [28. Po KK, Leung JW, Chan JN, Fung TK, Sanchez-Vidana DI, et al. (2017). Protective effect of Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides on dextromethorphan-induced mood impairment and neurogenesis suppression. Brain Res Bull. Sep;134:10-17]. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, and other vitamins and flavonoids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Not only do omega-3s induce neurogenesis via synapse support and neurite growth [29. Ibid. Poulose. (2017) 30. Calon F, Cole G. (2007). Neuroprotective action of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids against neurodegenerative diseases: evidence from animal studies. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. Nov-Dec; 77(5-6):287-93 31. Ibid. Calon. (2007)], but they reduce inflammation, are neuroprotective [32. Bousquet M, Calon F, Cicchetti F. (2011). Impact of ω-3 fatty acids in Parkinson’s disease. Ageing Res Rev. Sep; 10(4):453-63], and enhance BDNF synthesis. They are essential for learning and memory [33. Ibid. Wysoczanski. (2016) 34. Rathod R, Kale A, Joshi S. (2016). Novel insights into the effect of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids on brain function. J Biomed Sci. Jan 25;23:17].

Relation to Eye Issues

As noted in earlier articles in this blog, the retina and optic nerve are actually extensions of the brain. New research, especially in animal studies, has made big strides in finding ways to help damaged optic nerves regrow. Scientists are testing different methods to encourage nerve fibers in the eye to heal and regenerate.

Optic nerve damage results in reduced visual function, particularly a loss of peripheral vision. This nerve damage can be found in a range of eye issues including glaucoma, ischemic optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis.

Recent research advancements offer hope for clinically meaningful regeneration for those who suffer from optic nerve damage.

Like other axons in the central nervous system (CNS), axons of the optic nerve have limited regenerative capacity due to the complex and inhibitory nature of their environment. This stands in contrast to the axons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which are capable of successful regrowth after injury due to their more conducive environment.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), found in the nerve fiber layer of the retina, form the axons of the optic nerve. The photoreceptor cells in the retina pick up light, then pass the information to the optic nerves, which then are passed to the visual cortex in the brain which interprets what we are seeing.

After optic nerve injury, RGCs may undergo axon loss and/or cell death, resulting in the irreversible loss of vision [35. Kim US; Mahroo OA; Mollon JD; Yu-Wai-Man P: Retinal Ganglion Cells-Diversity of Cell Types and Clinical Relevance. Front Neurol 2021, 12:661938].

Part of what inhibits axon regeneration is the body’s response to injury which is to create scar tissue called a “glial scar” that forms both a physical and chemical barrier that inhibits axon growth.

Glaucoma

In the most common types of glaucoma, such as primary open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma, increases in eye pressure eventually puts pressure on the optic nerve, impeding its blood supply. This reduces the flow of nutrients and oxygen to its nerve fibers [36. Weinreb RN; Aung T; Medeiros FA: The pathophysiology and treatment of glaucoma: a review. Jama 2014, 311:1901–1911]. Primary open-angle glaucoma comprises approximately 90% of glaucoma cases. However, some patients have normal and low tension glaucoma. In their cases, typically the issue is not intraocular pressure but the lack of essential nutrients and oxygen getting to the back of the eyes.

Ischemic optic neuropathy happens when the optic nerve doesn’t get enough blood flow. There are two main types: anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) [37. Singla K; Agarwal P Optic Ischemia. In StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing; Copyright © 2023, StatPearls Publishing LLC., 2023].

Optic neuritis is an optic neuropathy most often associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. It is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve [38. Bennett JL: Optic Neuritis. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2019, 25:1236–1264]. Treatment for optic neuritis generally involves managing the underlying cause of inflammation and alleviating symptoms through corticosteroids and pain medication [39. Bennett JL: Optic Neuritis. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2019, 25:1236–1264].

The most significant progressions in the field of optic nerve axon regeneration have revolved around the manipulation of genes via different signaling pathways.

Neurotrophic factor signaling activation is a promising therapeutic approach for addressing neurodegeneration. Neurotrophic factors (NFs) are a group of proteins involved with the development, differentiation, and survival of neurons [40. Xiao N; Le QT: Neurotrophic Factors and Their Potential Applications in Tissue Regeneration. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2016, 64:89–99]. After injury, NFs initiate effects that promote cell survival [41. Xiao N; Le QT: Neurotrophic Factors and Their Potential Applications in Tissue Regeneration. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2016, 64:89–99]. NFs play a role in promoting cell survival, enhancing axon growth and regeneration, modulating gene expression, inducing synaptic plasticity, and providing neuroprotective effects.

Stem cell therapy offers promise in the future for related to vision damage, offering a reliable process for cell regeneration. To promote the development of stem cells, researchers utilize specific culture conditions and signaling molecules, ultimately aiming to generate a population of functional retinal cells that can integrate into the damaged retina [42. Zhang J; Wu S; Jin ZB; Wang N: Stem Cell-Based Regeneration and Restoration for Retinal Ganglion Cell: Recent Advancements and Current Challenges. Biomolecules 2021, 11].

Nutrients That Help Protect the Ganglion Cells and/or Promote Regeneration

NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide)

Helps protect the ganglion cells in the retinas and optic nerves from damage, as these cells help reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Types of stem cells being used include: mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Human MSCs are derived from various regions of the body, including bone marrow and umbilical cord (HUMSC). They have been found to have neuroprotective effects on the cornea, retina, and photoreceptor cells. Recent research in animal studies found that transplantation significantly increases both axon and RGC regeneration as well as the retinal structure [43. Zhu T; Huang X; Peng S; Ye Y; Zhao J: Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Destruction Promotes the Therapeutic Effect of HUMSC Transplantation on Glaucoma-Caused Optic Nerve Injury in Rabbits. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022, 11:12].

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

May help nerves grow and heal by boosting nerve growth factor (NGF). They contain compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which can encourage the growth of brain cells [44. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6720269/]. Studies show that lion’s mane can reduce memory loss in mice and protect brain cells from damage linked to Alzheimer’s disease [45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27350344/ 46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5133811/ 47. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4895996/].

Nutrients that support neurogenesis include: Acetyl-l-Carnitine, apigenin, ashwagandha, choline, curcumin, ginkgo, ginseng, goji berry, grapeseed extract, green tea, gut microbia, hesperidin, huperzine A, iron, lecithin, lotus root extract, lutein, magnesium, magnolol, melatonin, milk thistle extract, mulberry, mushrooms (lion’s mane, shiitake, reishi), olive leaf extract, omega-3s, pantethine, piperine, phosphatidylserine, pinocembrin, PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone), quercetin, red sage (salvia), resveratrol, rhodiola (stonecrops), selenium, shankhpushpi (convolvulus prostratus), taurine, theanine, tryptophan, vinpocetine, and vitamins A, B6, B12, E, and D.