Sea Squirt Compound Reverses Aging Signs in Mice, Study Finds

Sea Squirt Plasmalogens Studied for Aging Effects

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Stanford University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences examined the effects of plasmalogens—lipid compounds found in edible sea squirts—on aging in mice.

Sea squirts, consumed in parts of Asia, contain high levels of plasmalogens, which are important for cell membranes and are especially abundant in the brain, heart, and immune cells.

Mouse Study Shows Memory and Physical Improvements

In the study, aged mice were given dietary supplements containing plasmalogens. The mice were then tested using the Morris water maze, a standard test for learning and memory.

Aged mice that received plasmalogens performed more like younger mice, locating the hidden platform faster than untreated aged mice. The treated mice also showed visible changes, such as thicker and darker hair.

Potential Mechanisms: Brain Synapses and Inflammation

Analysis of the mice's brains showed that plasmalogen supplementation increased the number and quality of synapses—connections between nerve cells that are crucial for learning and memory.

Researchers also observed reduced inflammation and signs of improved neural plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to form and reorganize connections, especially during learning or after injury.

Context for Metabolic Health and Recovery

Plasmalogen levels naturally decline with age and are lower in several neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that dietary plasmalogen supplementation may help restore some functions lost with aging, at least in animal models.

For people interested in metabolic health and recovery, these findings raise questions about the role of dietary lipids and seafood-derived nutrients in brain health and aging. However, the results so far are limited to mice.

Limitations and Next Steps

The study was conducted in mice, not humans, so it is not clear if the same effects would occur in people. The researchers did not report on long-term safety or optimal dosing for humans.

Reduced plasmalogen levels have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases in humans, but more research is needed to determine if supplementation could have similar benefits in human aging or disease.