Sea-squid-derived plasmalogen supplement boosts memory and hair growth in aged mice
Researchers found that feeding older mice a plasmalogen-rich extract from edible sea squirts improved learning, increased synaptic connections and promoted darker, thicker hair.
In experiments with senior mice, scientists added plasmalogen compounds—abundant in edible sea squirts—to the animals' diets and observed multiple anti-aging effects. The mice learned the location of a hidden platform in the Morris water maze more quickly, indicating restored memory function. Brain analysis revealed a higher number of synapses in better condition and a marked drop in neuroinflammatory markers.
The supplement also triggered growth of new, darker, and more robust hair. Lead author Lei Fu suggested the benefits may stem from enhanced neuroregeneration, improved synaptic membrane fluidity, and possible modulation of the gut-brain axis. While the findings are limited to an animal model, they point to plasmalogens as a potential dietary strategy for mitigating age-related cognitive decline.
