DIC and Kochi University Publish a Paper on the Anti-Aging Benefits of Polysaccharides Derived from Spirulina Blue-Green Algae —Scientifically proven antioxidant properties, which are key to anti-aging, underscore potential for use in cosmetics and health foods—

Tokyo, Japan—DIC Corporation announced today that it has published a joint paper with Kochi University on the anti-aging benefits of polysaccharides derived from Spirulina blue-green algae in the July 21, 2023, issue of U.S. scientific journal iScience.

Research highlights
• Fibroblasts* (skin fibroblasts) were used to study the anti-aging benefits of hot water Spirulina platensis extracts (including polysaccharides) and polysaccharides derived from Spirulina (Spirulina polysaccharide complex (SPC)).
• It was confirmed that when fibroblasts are artificially aged, antioxidant protein superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2)† declines and mitochondrial‡ function is impaired, reducing collagen production.
• Research demonstrated that SPC restores mitochondrial function and collagen production by upregulating SOD2 that has declined due to cellular senescence.
• Most materials that induce SOD2 expression also elicit an inflammatory response. In contrast, SPC was proven to increase SOD2 but without activating inflammatory signaling by elevating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2),§ an important SOD2 inducible transcriptional factor with anti-inflammatory properties.

The results of this research underscore the potential for expanding the use of Spirulina, a highly sustainable material, in cosmetics and health foods with anti-aging benefits.

Publication details
Journal: iScience
Title of paper: “Restoration of mitochondrial function by Spirulina polysaccharide via upregulated SOD2 in aging fibroblasts”
URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004223011902

The DIC Group has been engaged in the cultivation of Spirulina, an edible blue-green algae containing more than 50 healthy nutrients, since the 1970s, and was the first commercial producer to succeed in outdoor Spirulina cultivation. As a pioneer in algae research, the Group has expanded its Spirulina-based products to include health foods, food colorings, food ingredients and livestock feed.

In its DIC Vision 2030 long-term management plan, the DIC Group identifies healthcare as a priority business area that will position it to contribute to the realization of a quality of life–oriented society. Accordingly, the Group is working to expand its presence in this area. Against a backdrop of increasing health consciousness on the part of consumers, the Group will continue to promote the development of food products and supplements with a focus on food safety and food security.

* A fibroblast is a type of cell present in all organs. Skin fibroblasts are fibroblasts in the dermis of the skin that produce collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin.
† SOD2 is an enzyme that decomposes reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accelerates cellular senescence, and is an essential component of mitochondria.
‡ Mitocondria are cell organelles that are involved in the generation of chemical energy.
§ Nrf2 is an SOD2 inducible transcriptional factor. Research suggests that Nrf2 is activated in response to stress and suppresses inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

—Ends—

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About DIC Corporation
DIC Corporation is one of the world’s leading fine chemicals companies and the core of the DIC Group, a multinational organization comprising over 190 companies, including Sun Chemical Corporation, in more than 60 countries and territories. The DIC Group is recognized as a global leader in the markets for a variety of products essential to modern lifestyles, notably packaging materials, display materials such as those used in television and computer displays, and high-performance materials for smartphones and other digital devices, as well as for automobiles. Through such products, the Group endeavors to deliver safety and peace of mind, and color and comfort, to people everywhere. The DIC Group also seeks to contribute to a sustainable society by developing innovative products that respond to social change and which help address social imperatives. With annual consolidated net sales exceeding ¥1 trillion and 22,000-plus employees worldwide, the Group pledges to continue working in close cooperation with our customers wherever they are.

Commercial Contact:
Healthcare Technical Group 　E-mail: dlt-toiawase@ma.dic.co.jp