In the following set of studies, assay-guided fractionation and sophisticated structure elucidation techniques identified specific polyphenolic and proanthocyanidin ingredients within PTI-00703 cat’s claw (i.e. Uncaria tomentosa from a specific Peruvian source) that possess a natural ability to reduce and inhibit both beta-amyloid protein “plaques” and tau protein “tangles”, the two hallmarks of brain aging, and the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The gene discussed is MAPT; the disease is Alzheimer disease.