Sea Squirt-Derived Compounds Reverse Aging Signs in Mouse Study

A collaborative study by researchers from Stanford University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences has found that compounds derived from sea squirts may reverse key indicators of aging in mice. The findings, published recently, highlight the potential of plasmalogens—a type of lipid abundant in these marine animals—to improve cognitive function and physical traits associated with age.

Sea squirts, known as meongge in Korea and hoya in Japan, are consumed raw in parts of Asia and contain high concentrations of plasmalogens. These fat molecules are critical components of cell membranes, particularly in the brain, heart, and immune system. Levels of plasmalogens naturally decline with age and are also reduced in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

In the experiment, aged mice were fed diets supplemented with plasmalogens. After five days of training in the Morris water maze—a standard test for learning and memory—the supplemented mice performed significantly better than their untreated counterparts, reaching a hidden platform much faster. The results suggested that the treatment not only halted cognitive decline but potentially reversed it.

Brain analysis revealed that the treated mice had a higher density of synapses, the junctions through which nerve cells communicate. These synapses appeared healthier and more numerous, indicating enhanced neural plasticity. Additionally, inflammation in the brains of supplemented mice was substantially lower, a factor often linked to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment.

Professor Lei Fu, the study’s corresponding author, noted the physical changes observed as well. “Aged mice fed with the plasmalogens grow new black hair that is thicker and glossier than aged mice not fed the supplement,” Fu said. He added that the research provides the first detailed look at how these compounds may influence the aging brain.

While the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, scientists propose several pathways. Plasmalogens may promote neuroregeneration by increasing molecules that support neuron growth, or they may enhance the fluidity of synaptic membranes, improving signal transmission. Another possibility involves the gut-brain axis, as dietary plasmalogens have been shown to affect gut microbiota, which plays a role in brain health.

Despite the promising results, researchers caution that the study was conducted on mice, and human trials are needed to determine efficacy, safe dosages, and long-term safety. Nevertheless, Professor Fu expressed confidence in the potential of oral plasmalogen supplementation as a therapeutic strategy for improving cognitive function in older adults.