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. 2018 Mar;62(2):195-205.
doi: 10.3164/jcbn.17-100. Epub 2018 Jan 27.

Effect of astaxanthin-rich extract derived from Paracoccus carotinifaciens on cognitive function in middle-aged and older individuals

Masahiro Hayashi  1 , Takashi Ishibashi  2 , Takashi Maoka  3
Affiliations

Effect of astaxanthin-rich extract derived from Paracoccus carotinifaciens on cognitive function in middle-aged and older individuals

Masahiro Hayashi et al. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplement containing astaxanthin-rich extract derived from Paracoccus carotinifaciens (astaxanthin supplement) on cognitive function of subjects aged 45-64 years. Cognitive functions of 28 subjects orally administered 8 mg astaxanthin/day of astaxanthin supplement for 8 weeks (astaxanthin group) and 26 subjects given a placebo (placebo group) were compared by word memory test, verbal fluency test, and Stroop test. The astaxanthin group experienced significantly larger increase in blood astaxanthin level than the placebo group. However, there were no significant intergroup differences in the results of the tests. A subgroup analysis was performed after dividing subjects into the <55 years old and ≥55 years old age groups. The result of "words recalled after 5 minutes" in word memory test in <55 years old subjects showed significant improvement in the astaxanthin group than in the placebo group, which was not found in ≥55 years old subjects. Our results indicate that people aged 45-54 years may experience improved cognitive function after ingesting astaxanthin supplement for 8 weeks. On the basis of the parameters tested, administration of astaxanthin supplement was not associated with any problems related to safety.

Keywords: Paracoccus carotinifaciens; adonirubin; adonixanthin; astaxanthin; cognitive function.

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Conflict of interest statement

MH and TI are employees of JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Classifications and details of the subjects.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Structural formula of astaxanthin, adonirubin and adonixanthin.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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