Vitamin B3 and Green Tea Extract: A Surprising Duo That May Rejuvenate Aging Brain Cells

Could the secret to revitalizing aging brain cells be sitting in your kitchen cabinet?
A team of researchers at the University of California, Irvine, has discovered that a combination of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) and EGCG, a powerful antioxidant in green tea, may help restore brain cell energy—and remarkably, they saw results in just 16 hours.

While the study was conducted in a lab using mouse brain cells (not in living humans), the findings are sparking excitement about potential future brain health therapies.

Why Brain Cells Slow Down With Age

As we get older, our brain cells lose their ability to produce enough GTP — a crucial molecule that fuels many cellular processes, including waste cleanup. Without adequate GTP, neurons can’t efficiently remove damaged proteins and debris. Over time, this buildup can interfere with brain function and is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

In Alzheimer’s disease, toxic protein clumps such as amyloid-beta are a major problem. They disrupt communication between neurons and contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline.

The Experiment: Restoring Youthful Energy in Old Neurons

The UC Irvine team worked with brain cells from young, middle-aged, and elderly mice — including some genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Using an advanced fluorescent sensor, they measured real-time GTP levels and then treated the cells with nicotinamide, EGCG, or both.

The results were striking:

• GTP levels bounced back to youthful levels within 16 hours.

• Cells cleared out toxic protein buildup.

• Alzheimer’s-model neurons had a 22% higher survival rate after treatment.

• Waste-clearing vesicles returned to normal size and number, suggesting better “cellular housekeeping.”

How the Combo Works

• Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide): Increases NAD+, a key molecule in energy production and GTP synthesis.

• EGCG (from green tea): Activates Nrf2, a “master switch” for antioxidant defenses, helping protect neurons from damage.

Within just 30 minutes of treatment, Nrf2 was already active in the cell nucleus, turning on protective genes. This quick response suggests the combo offers both immediate antioxidant support and long-term energy restoration.

Food Sources of These Brain-Friendly Nutrients

EGCG:

• Matcha powder – ~137 mg per gram

• Brewed green tea – 70–89 mg per 100 mL

• White tea – 42 mg per 100 mL

• Oolong tea – 34 mg per 100 mL

Tip: Brew green tea at 80–85°C to preserve EGCG content.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin):

• Beef liver – 14.9 mg per 3 oz

• Chicken or turkey breast – ~10 mg per 3 oz

• Salmon or tuna – 8.6 mg per 3 oz

• Peanuts – 4.2 mg per ounce

• Brown rice – 5.2 mg per cup cooked

Why We Still Need More Research

Before you rush to stock up on supplements, there’s a catch:

• This was an in vitro (lab-dish) study — not in living animals or humans.

• Effects were only measured over 16 hours.

• We don’t yet know the best dosage, delivery method, or whether the same results would happen in people.

In fact, a previous clinical trial found that oral nicotinamide was less effective in humans because it’s quickly broken down in the bloodstream. Researchers will need to figure out how to deliver it more effectively.

The Takeaway

This vitamin-and-tea combination shows exciting potential for rejuvenating aging brain cells and improving cellular cleanup processes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. While we’re still a long way from calling it a proven treatment, the findings hint at a future where simple, natural compounds could help preserve brain health.

Until then, you can still support your brain by enjoying foods rich in vitamin B3 and sipping antioxidant-packed green tea—as part of an overall balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.