USE OF MYCOSPORIN-TYPE AMINO ACID (SHINORITE) IN PRODUCTS FOR CATARACT PREVENTION

SHINORINE MYCOSPORIN PROMOTION

Description

Free radicals are associated with a wide range of pathologies and diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's and conditions related to sun exposure such as cataracts, photoaging, inflammatory episodes and neoplasms. They are also responsible for the oxidation of fats in food, which is the most important form of deterioration after alterations produced by microorganisms. With oxidation, rancid odors and flavors appear, color and texture are altered, and nutritional value decreases as some vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids are lost. In addition, the products formed in oxidation can be harmful to health. An antioxidant is defined as a substance that in low concentrations compared to an oxidizable substrate, delays or prevents its oxidation. Thus, the present invention presents the potential of the mycosporin-type amino acid (MMA), specifically shinorine isolated from the red algae Gymnogongrus devoniensis, in the preparation of parapharmacy products, pharmaceutical products, nutraceutical preparations, or in functional foods, for the prevention of cataracts.

Advantages

The mycosporin-type amino acid MMA has antioxidant properties comparable to other commercial compounds with the advantage of being of natural origin.

Uses and Applications

The present invention is framed in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and food sector, being able to be used as an antioxidant for the preparation of parapharmacy products, pharmaceutical products, nutraceutical preparations, or in functional foods, for the prevention of cataracts.