Researchers affiliated with the Universities of Seville and Kent conducted an examination of phytoene, a colorless carotenoid previously regarded as biologically inert. Unlike its more famous counterparts such as beta-carotene or lycopene, it imparts no vivid hue to foodstuffs and consequently remained overshadowed by those better-known compounds. The findings of this study were reported in Science XXI.
Tests conducted on the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans yielded remarkable outcomes: longevity was extended by 10 to 18.6 percent, and the toxicity stemming from the amyloid-β42 protein, which is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, diminished by 30 to 40 percent. Furthermore, at specific concentrations, the survival rate of cells when subjected to oxidative stress saw an enhancement of 53 percent.
The research team employed both pure, refined phytoene and extracts derived from microalgae; surprisingly, both sources demonstrated comparable efficacy. Critically, the observed benefits were independent of any adjustments made to the subjects’ dietary intake.
Phytoene is regularly ingested by humans through their diet and subsequently accumulates in various body tissues, notably the skin. Evidence suggests it possesses the capability to offer protection against ultraviolet radiation. The scientists identify microalgae as a promising and environmentally sound source for obtaining this substance.
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