Investigating the Efficacy of Ergothioneine to Delay Cognitive Decline

Launched by NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, SINGAPORE · Aug 19, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Ergothioneine (ET) is a naturally occurring thiol/thione obtained in humans solely through diet. It is able to accumulate in specific cells and tissues (including the brain), via a specific transporter, OCTN1, at high levels. Although the exact physiological function(s) of ET have yet to be elucidated, numerous reports have demonstrated that this compound can scavenge reactive oxygen species (such as hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorous acid, and peroxynitrite), modulate inflammation, and chelate divalent metal ions. These processes are all implicated in the pathology of dementia. Various studie...

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Elderly individuals 60 - 90 years of age
• • Chinese ethnicity (from other local cohort studies)
• • Demonstrate amnestic mild cognitive impairment (assessed by panel of psychiatrists)
• • Independent and able to travel to study site without assistance
• • No other severe underlying conditions or terminal illnesses
• • Capable of understanding the study and requirements and able to provide informed consent to participate
• • Willing to commit to the year-long study, comply with study administration and periodic blood and urine sampling
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to understand the risks and requirements of the study for any reason
• • Any intolerance to lactose, and/or allergies to mushrooms
• • History of cardiovascular complications, diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia, or other pre-existing condition that may prevent them from completing the study
• • Evidence of anaemia or other significant haematological conditions
• • History or mental illness, depression or other underlying psychiatric illnesses
• • History of drug or alcohol abuse
• • Involvement in another study requiring administration of an investigational compound in the past 30 days
• • Subjects whose blood analysis reveal and extremes of liver or kidney function markers (from baseline screening)
• • Deemed unfit for any reason as determined by the principal/co-investigator