Effects of water chestnut (Tarpa bispinosa Roxb.) extract/lutein on fingertip-measured advanced glycation endproduct/carotenoid levels

This pilot study tested the effects of the supplements containing water chestnut extract and carotenoids on antiglycation and carotenoid levels. Twenty Japanese subjects (mean age, 67 +/- 7 years; 13 men) ingested 200 mg of Tarpa bispinosa Roxb. extract (containing >50 mg of polyphenols), 20 mg of lutein, and 3 mg of zeaxanthin daily for 3 months. Advanced glycation end product (AGEs) levels were estimated by fingertip skin autofluorescence using the AGEs Sensor; carotenoid levels were estimated by pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy of the fingertips using the Veggie Meter. Compared to baseline, the mean AGEs score decreased significantly (0.55 +/- 0.04 arbitrary units (AU) vs. 0.52 +/- 0.07 AU, p = 0.03); the mean carotenoid score increased significantly (256 +/- 68 optical density (OD) vs. 302 +/- 109 OD, p = 0.02) at 3 months. Blood pressure, body weight, visual acuity, refractive error, and intraocular pressure were equivalent between baseline and 3 months. Compared to baseline, 13 (65%) patients had decreased AGEs scores, and 14 (70%) had increased carotenoid scores at 3 months; 9 (45%) subjects had both decreased AGEs scores and increased carotenoid scores, and two (10%) subjects had an inverse response. Co-administration of water chestnut extract and lutein for 3 months decreased the AGEs and increased the carotenoids estimated in the fingertip skin of humans.