Estimation of the Minimum Effective Dose of Dietary Supplement Crocetin for Prevention of Myopia Progression in Mice

Abstract

The natural carotenoid crocetin has been reported to suppress phenotypes of an experimental myopia model in mice. We investigated the minimum effective dose to prevent myopia progression in a murine model. Three-week-old male mice (C57B6/J) were equipped with a −30 diopter (D) lens to induce myopia, and fed with normal chow, 0.0003%, or 0.001% of crocetin-containing chow. Changes in refractive errors and axial lengths (AL) were evaluated after three weeks. Pharmacokinetics of crocetin in the plasma and the eyeballs of mice was evaluated with specific high sensitivity quantitative analysis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine the minimum effective dosage. A concentration of 0.001% of crocetin-containing chow showed a significant (p < 0.001) suppressive effect against both refractive and AL changes in the murine model. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference of AL change between the 0.0003% and the normal chow groups. The concentration of crocetin in the plasma and the eyeballs from mice fed with 0.001% crocetin-containing chow was significantly higher than control and 0.0003% crocetin-containing chow. In conclusion, we suggest 0.001% of crocetin-containing extract is the minimum effective dose showing a significant suppressive effect against both refractive and AL changes in the murine model.

Lipidomic analysis revealed n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids suppressed choroidal thinning and myopia progression in mice

“…Recently, crocetin, a natural carotenoid with antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects, has been reported to have a suppressive effect on myopia progression. [11][12][13] It has already been well recognized and sold as a product in the public market. n-3 PUFA, which is abundant in fish oil, also has an anti-inflammatory effect.…”

“…Crocetin, a natural pigment carotenoid, has recently been shown to have myopia-preventive effects in animal studies and in a clinical randomized controlled study; a commercial product has already become available publicly. [11][12][13] Crocetin exhibits multiple activities, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerosis effects. [14][15][16][17][18] N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects [19][20][21][22][23][24] and play an important role in the body as components of phospholipids that form the structures of cell membranes and provide energy for the body.…”

“…An important candidate for the prevention of myopia is undoubtedly an improvement in dietary habits. Crocetin, a natural pigment carotenoid, has recently been shown to have myopia‐preventive effects in animal studies and in a clinical randomized controlled study; a commercial product has already become available publicly 11–13 . Crocetin exhibits multiple activities, such as anti‐oxidation, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐atherosclerosis effects 14–18 .…”