薬理と治療

Abstract

Objective　This study aims to verify the effects of consuming sugarcane stem extract（SSE）-containing p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid on improving cognitive function in healthy Japanese adults who feel a memory decline. Methods　This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-comparison study involving 99 healthy Japanese adults. Using a random number generator, subjects were assigned to one of three groups: regular-SSE（500 mg╱day）, low-SSE（250 mg╱day）, or placebo（n＝33）. For 12 weeks, subjects took five capsules per day of regular-SSE, low-SSE, or placebo. Cognitive function tests（Cognitrax）, subjective symptom-related cognition, and cognitive　function-related biomarkers were used to assess the effects of SSE-consumption. Results The number of subjects analyzed as per the protocol set was 30 in each group. Although composite memory after the 12-week intervention, which was set as the primary outcome, did not show a significant difference between the regular-SSE and the placebo group, the low-SSE group showed a significant improvement compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, when compared to the placebo group, the low-SSE group improved significantly in visual memory, psychomotor speed, and overall cognitive function after a 12-week intervention. There were no medically significant changes observed as a result of the test foodʼs continued consumption. Conclusions　The 12-week intake of SSE-containing foods was found to improve overall memory performance in healthy Japanese adults aged≥40 years who feel a memory decline, particularly with SSE 250 mg╱day（p-coumaric acid 35.8 mg╱day, ferulic acid 16.3 mg╱day）. Trial registration　UMIN000044305 Foundation　Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd. （Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2022；50：1095‒110）