Sea squirt compounds reverse signs of aging in mice, study finds

The short version

• Scientists found that dietary supplements containing plasmalogens, lipids abundant in edible sea squirts, reversed several cognitive and physical markers of aging in older mice.
• Treated mice displayed improved memory in water maze tests, healthier brain synapses, reduced neuroinflammation, and thicker, darker hair.
• The study remains limited to animal testing, and further clinical research is required to evaluate safety, dosing, and efficacy in humans.

Key facts

• A study conducted by researchers from institutions including Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Stanford University found that plasmalogen supplements reversed signs of aging in aged mice.[ScienceDaily]
• Plasmalogens are lipid molecules found in high concentrations in sea squirts, a marine animal consumed in parts of Asia such as Korea and Japan.[ScienceDaily]
• Mice treated with plasmalogens showed improved performance in the Morris water maze memory test, matching the navigation speed of younger mice after training.[ScienceDaily]
• Biological examinations revealed that supplemented mice possessed more and better-conditioned brain synapses alongside substantially reduced brain inflammation.[ScienceDaily]
• Treated aged mice exhibited physical changes, developing thicker and glossier dark hair compared to untreated control animals.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

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