Phytoene and phytoene-rich microalgae extracts extend lifespan inC. elegansand protect against amyloid-β toxicity in an Alzheimer’s disease model

Abstract

AbstractThe role of foods is shifting from focusing on the provision of energy and basic nutrients to also include bioactive compounds that prevent the development of chronic age-related diseases. Microalgae offer a source of nutritional compounds with important health effects, and have the potential for production of health-promoting products, without increasing agricultural land use and negatively impacting the environment. Here we investigate the health effects of microalgal extracts with high levels of the colourless carotenoid phytoene. Phytoene is widely available from dietary sources and can be detected across different tissues in the human body. However, it is usually regarded as a precursor for the synthesis of other carotenoids, rather than a bioactive molecule. We utilised the model organismC. elegansto show that phytoene-rich extracts fromChlorella sorokinianaandDunaliella bardawilhave anti-ageing properties. The extracts protect against oxidative damage and amyloid-β42proteotoxicity (a major pathology of Alzheimer’s disease), and extends lifespan. We show that pure phytoene also has these anti-ageing effects, suggesting that phytoene is a bioactive molecule with positive effects on ageing and longevity.