Could ‘sea squirts’ hold a clue to healthier ageing?
Researchers are studying plasmalogens, compounds found in high concentrations in 'sea squirts,' for their potential role in brain health and anti-ageing. Studies in mice showed plasmalogen supplements improved memory, brain cell connections, reduced inflammation, and even led to thicker, darker hair, though human trials are yet to be conducted.
Why it matters
This research offers a potential new avenue for understanding and combating age-related cognitive decline and other ageing signs, with significant implications for public health and the pharmaceutical industry if findings translate to humans.
These handsome creatures known as sea squirts are rich in plasmalogens, which researchers are studying for their potential role in brain health and ageing. (Wikipedia pic)
PETALING JAYA: Grey hair, fading memory and a little more creaking around the edges are familiar signs of getting older. But could a rather strange-looking marine animal offer scientists clues about whether some aspects of ageing might one day be slowed - or even reversed?
Researchers have been studying compounds called plasmalogens, which are found naturally in the human body as well as in high concentrations in "sea squirts".
Not familiar with them? These unusual marine animals belonging to the class "Ascidiacea" aren't commonly found on Malaysian menus. They are more frequently eaten in parts of Japan and South Korea.
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