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Apoaequorin

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Apoaequorin, Prevagen, Aequorin

  • Indications
  1. No evidence supporting indications as of 2024
  2. Despite lack of evidence, marketed as a neuroprotective supplement (not FDA regulated)
    1. Age related memory and cognitive decline (false claim per FDA, forcing labeling changes)
    2. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (no strong evidence of benefit)
  • Mechanism
  1. Aequorin (and Apoaequorin)
    1. Photoprotein isolated from the photocytes of bioluminescent Jellyfish Aequorea
    2. Aequorin (and Apoaequorin) are enzymes which bind the substrate coelenterazine, promoting its oxidation
      1. Apoaequorin refers to the enzyme when it is not bound to coelenterazine
      2. Aequorin refers to the enzyme when it is bound to coelenterazine
    3. Reaction emits visible light (blue glow) when trace amounts of Calcium Ion are present
      1. Apoaequorin Protein has three binding sites for Calcium Ion
  2. Apoaequorin is postulated to have neuroprotective effects
    1. Based on animal studies (direct brain infusions of Apoaequorin)
      1. May protect Neurons from Calcium mediated toxicity
      2. In theory, may delay age-related memory and cognitive slowing
    2. However, taken as an oral supplement, likely has little benefit
      1. Proteins taken orally are denatured in the Stomach and are unlikely to have any significant CNS effect
  • Dosing
  1. Adults: 10 mg daily
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Nausea
  2. Dizziness
  3. Headache
  • Efficacy
  1. Limited evidence of improved verbal learning and delayed recall in patients with normal baseline cognition
  2. Other studies have shown no benefit in those with Cognitive Impairment
  • Resources
  1. Apoaequorin (LiverTox)
    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK552157/
  2. FDA curbs unfounded memory supplement claims (Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School)
    1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-curbs-unfounded-memory-supplement-claims-2019053116772
  • References
  1. (2024) Presc Lett 31(1): 60