薬理と治療

Abstract

Objective　Ergothioneine is a hydrophilic amino acid that is abundantly contained in mushrooms, and reported to have an antioxidant effect, a neurogenic effect, and a memory improvement effect. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ergothioneine on cognitive function in humans. Methods　We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study for 52 healthy volunteers（18 men and 34 women, including those with mild cognitive impairment）.Subjects consumed either a tablet containing 5 mg ergothioneine as the test food （provided by LS Corporation Co., Ltd.）or a tablet not containing ergothioneine as the placebo. Cognitrax test was used to assess cognitive function before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after consumption of the test food. Results　The consumption of ergothioneine significantly improved Psychomotor Speed compared with the placebo group. In addition, stratified results for subjects in the cognitive function domain of Foods with Function Claims showed significant improvements in Verbal Memory, Simple Attention, and Sustained Attention compared with the placebo group. No adverse events attributable to the test food were observed in any subjects during the study. Conclusion　These results indicate that continuous intake of ergothioneine improves cognitive function in healthy subjects（normal subjects and those with mild cognitive impairment）. （UMIN 000034386）