DR B&H Co., Ltd, a company specializing in health functional foods (CEO Jinmoo Hong), and the Rheology Functional Food Research Institute (CEO Takehiko Fujino) jointly hosted the "Brain Health Forum for Activating Brain Signals" on the 14th at the auditorium of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association. The forum focused on 'Plasmalogen,' sharing the latest domestic and international clinical research cases related to brain cognition.
The forum, moderated by pharmacist Jaewon Min, featured presentations on various topics:
"Wake Up Your Sleeping Brain" by Dr. Sunghyuk Hwang, a neurosurgeon
"Brain Fatigue and Plasmalogen" by Dr. Takehiko Fujino, Professor Emeritus at Kyushu University School of Medicine
"The Translational Approach of Plasmalogen Science" by Dr. Eunhee Jung, a neuropharmacologist at Fukuoka University
Plasmalogen, widely studied in the United States, Canada, and Japan, is a type of phospholipid that constitutes the majority of human cell membranes. It is known to be particularly crucial as it comprises 18% of these phospholipids. Scientific research has revealed that plasmalogen levels decrease in the brains of patients with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's, which result from brain cell damage.
Pharmacist Jaewon Min explained, "Plasmalogen gradually decreases due to various causes such as aging and stress, which are known to be linked to cognitive function-related diseases like dementia. Recent studies have also proven that plasmalogen is highly effective in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities."
In his lecture, Dr. Sunghyuk Hwang, who has over 310,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel '닥터쓰리,' recommended maintaining a low-carb, high-fat diet and supplementing with plasmalogen derived from seafood (scallops) for brain health.
According to Dr. Hwang, plasmalogen is a type of phospholipid, specifically EPLAS and CPLAS, which are commonly found in breast milk, cow's milk, egg yolks, seafood, and meat.
In a notable study conducted in Japan in 2017, 328 patients aged 60-85 with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease across 25 medical facilities nationwide participated in research on the effects of scallop-derived plasmalogen on cognitive function. Results showed improvements in memory, alleviation of mild cognitive impairment severity, and reduction in symptoms such as hallucinations, depression, and delusions among those who consumed plasmalogen.
Dr. Hwang emphasized, "Given the findings from leading U.S. studies that plasmalogen levels decrease in the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients and the serum of living Alzheimer's patients, consuming scallop-derived plasmalogen could help prevent Alzheimer's disease."
Dr. Takehiko Fujino, who has dedicated over 30 years to researching plasmalogen at the Rheology Functional Food Research Institute, presented various clinical cases demonstrating the clinical value and superiority of scallop-derived plasmalogen.
Dr. Fujino stated that brain fatigue, caused by the reduction of plasmalogen, can lead to metabolic syndrome, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, as evidenced by studies conducted in Japan, the United States, and Canada. He also explained that the hippocampus, responsible for memory, requires as much as 24% phospholipids, which can be supplemented and strengthened through plasmalogen binding. Additionally, experiments on mice revealed that plasmalogen inhibits numerous viruses, thereby boosting immunity. Other effects include anti-inflammatory properties, cholesterol suppression, platelet activation, and antioxidant benefits.
"The core of plasmalogen is to alleviate brain fatigue, making it a well-suited supplement for modern individuals under excessive stress," Dr. Fujino emphasized.
Dr. Eunhee Jung from Fukuoka University mentioned, "Clinical trials are being conducted in the United States for using scallop-derived plasmalogen as a treatment for rare pediatric neurological diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, with FDA approval as an orphan drug expected soon."
Pharmacist Jaewon Min concluded, "This seminar highlights the significance of 'scallop-derived plasmalogen,' which is gaining attention as a natural substance for improving brain function. Through extensive research and human trials, it is expected to significantly contribute to the health of dementia patients in our rapidly aging society. Pharmacists taking a proactive approach to this trend could benefit their practice as well."
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