Oligonol is produced from the oligomerization of
polyphenols (typically
proanthocyanidin from a variety of fruits such as lychees, grapes, apples, persimmons, etc.) and contains
catechin-type monomers and oligomers of
proanthocyanidins. The ability of
Oligonol to affect
infection-dependent eye
inflammation, locomotion and longevity in senescence-accelerated prone mice (SAMP8) (a model of senescence acceleration and geriatric disorders with increased oxidative stress and neuronal deficit) was investigated.
Oligonol (60mg/kg) significantly modulated the extent of
inflammation scores in the eye of SAMP8 mice. Examination of the mice indicated
infection with mouse hepatitis virus and pinworm (Syphacia obvelata) in both males and females and with the intestinal protozoa (trichomonad) in males. A comparison of the two groups (using log-rank test) and the difference in the mean life span between groups (using Student's t-test) indicated significant differences in survival (p=0.043) and the mean life span (p=0.033) in male SAMP8 mice.
Oligonol increased the mean life span and this was statistically significant. In the open-field locomotive test, the 7-week-old SAMP8 mice crossed more than 40 partitioned lines in 1min. At 48-week-old control untreated male SAMP8 crossed 2 lines. The
Oligonol-treated 48-week-old male SAMP8 mice crossed 17 lines however. The improved locomotive activity was statistically significant even after 36weeks in the
Oligonol-treated male SAMP8 but this was not the case throughout the time course of the study in the
Oligonol-treated female SAMP8. Thus
Oligonol treatment to SAMP8 mice modulated the severity of
infection-dependent
inflammation, prolonged life-span and significantly improved locomotive activity indicating potential benefit to aging-associated diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. This presents potential for further research to define
infection-dependent
inflammation associated with degenerative conditions and the molecular mechanism of dietary
antioxidant protection.