In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled the hidden properties of phytoene, a compound commonly found in tomatoes, carrots, apricots, red peppers, oranges, mandarins, and passion fruit, as well as in high concentrations in certain types of algae. This research suggests that phytoene could potentially extend lifespan and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Phytoene is a plant chemical classified as a phytonutrient that had previously received little attention in scientific research, with many assuming it had minimal effects when consumed, despite its presence in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin.
Scientists at the University of Seville in Spain and the University of Kent in England conducted experiments on tiny worms known as Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Their findings indicate that phytoene may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and promote longevity, although further studies are necessary to confirm these effects in humans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer’s disease ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, having claimed 6.9 million lives in 2020. This figure is projected to rise to 14 million by 2060. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is characterized by memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, misplacing items, and mood changes, with no current cure available.
“Historically, the health benefits of fiber and vitamins produced by plants have garnered much attention. However, we are beginning to understand that plants generate thousands of molecules that can significantly impact our health, revealing that there is much more to plants than just fiber and vitamins,” stated study co-author Marina Ezcurra, a biologist at the University of Kent.
Ezcurra further noted, “With a growing global population and a changing climate, producing sufficient plant foods is becoming increasingly challenging. An alternative could be algae, which grow naturally in the sea, streams, and lakes. In particular, microalgae can be cultivated sustainably, and there is mounting evidence supporting their health benefits. In this study, we aimed to deepen our understanding of the health effects of compounds derived from microalgae.”
Led by Professor Antonio Jesús Meléndez Martínez from the University of Seville, the research team tested phytoene and extracts from two types of microalgae that are particularly rich in phytoene on C. elegans. These tiny soil-dwelling worms, which measure no larger than a grain of salt, possess muscles, nerves, reproductive organs, and digestive systems.
“By utilizing C. elegans, we could circumvent the cost, time, and complexity associated with human trials, along with the ethical and regulatory implications of using mice,” explained Ezcurra. “Working with C. elegans is not only inexpensive and fast but also more ethical and sustainable. Additionally, the majority of their genes are similar to those found in humans, making C. elegans an excellent model for studying health and aging.”
The scientists discovered that phytoene extended the lifespan of C. elegans by 10% to 18.6% and reduced damage caused by amyloid plaques by 30% to 40%. Amyloid plaques are recognized as a key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, accumulating in the brain potentially decades before the disease becomes detectable.
The reduction of plaque-related damage in C. elegans suggests that phytoene may serve as a promising strategy for preventing Alzheimer’s disease in the future. Furthermore, the scientists found that phytoene effectively combats oxidative stress, a byproduct of chemical reactions in the body that contributes to inflammation, disease risk, and aging.
The researchers propose the development of supplements, potentially utilizing phytoene-rich microalgae, to promote longevity and reduce Alzheimer’s risk. “To our surprise, we found that the microalgae extracts improved all health aspects we examined,” Ezcurra stated. “The animals consuming the microalgae extracts not only lived longer but also exhibited increased resistance to oxidative stress and protection against a humanized model of Alzheimer’s disease.”
She added, “This indicates that compounds from microalgae can have profound effects on health. What was particularly surprising was our ability to demonstrate that a single molecule, phytoene, which exists in high concentrations in both microalgae and plants, exhibited all these beneficial health effects.”
The researchers emphasized that microalgae possess numerous nutritional benefits beyond phytoene, making them a vital future source of nutrients as the food system adapts to a changing climate. Rich in healthy fats and proteins, microalgae can be easily cultivated without the need for farmland, as they thrive in aquatic environments, positioning them as an eco-friendly and highly nutritious crop.
“Many algae, especially microalgae, represent sustainable sources of various compounds that are beneficial for human health,” Meléndez Martínez commented. “The consumption of these algae and the development of algal-based products are expected to grow steadily, as the food industry increasingly prioritizes the production of health-promoting foods that are more sustainable.”
Phytoene is classified as a type of carotenoid, a beneficial nutrient commonly found in various foods, often characterized by their orange hue. It can be converted to vitamin A in the body and has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of cancer, heart disease, skin conditions, eye disorders, and metabolic disorders.
Historically, phytoene has not been prominently featured in nutritional research, often regarded as a less beneficial carotenoid. For instance, studies on tomatoes have associated their consumption with lower risks of heart disease and cancer, attributing these benefits primarily to a carotenoid called lycopene, while overlooking the potential contributions of phytoene, which tomatoes contain in significant amounts.
“There is a broad consensus within the scientific community regarding the need to increase the consumption of plant-based foods to enhance health and sustainability,” stated Meléndez Martínez. “Carotenoids such as phytoene and other bioactive compounds are present in high concentrations in plant foods. In particular, tomatoes and their derivatives are among the best sources of phytoene, along with carrots, apricots, watermelon, and certain citrus fruits.”
References:
- Morón-Ortiz, Á., Karamalegkos, A. A., Mapelli-Brahm, P., Ezcurra, M., Meléndez-Martínez, A. J. (2024). Phytoene and Phytoene-Rich Microalgae Extracts Extend Lifespan in C. elegans and Protect against Amyloid-β Toxicity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model. Antioxidants, 13(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080931
- Sun, J., Aballay, A., Singh, V. (2016). Cellular Responses to Infections in Caenorhabditis elegans, Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394447-4.20074-6
- Hampel, H., Hardy, J., Blennow, K., Chen, C., Perry, G., Kim, S. H., Villemagne, V. L., Aisen, P., Vendruscolo, M., Iwatsubo, T., Masters, C. L., Cho, M., Lannfelt, L., Cummings, J. L., Vergallo, A. (2021). The Amyloid-β Pathway in Alzheimer’s Disease. Molecular Psychiatry, 26, 5481-5503. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01249-0
