Development of Hyaluronic Acid-collagen-proteoglycan Complex (Hyaluco PG) by Hot Water Extraction from Salmon Nasal Cartilage

Abstract

We reported previously that oral administration of high molecular weight proteoglycan (molecular weight ≥ 5,000,000) from salmon nasal cartilage showed excellent effects on the skin and joints. We have developed a new method for extraction of high molecular weight proteoglycan at high yield and low cost for utilization in food. Examination of the extraction method involving heating of shredded salmon nasal cartilage pieces dispersed in water indicated that high molecular weight proteoglycan (molecular weight ≥ 5,000,000) was extracted efficiently by controlling the heating temperature and time based on the molten state of cartilage pieces. Three proteoglycan fractions of different molecular weights from salmon nasal cartilage were purified from the hot water extract under optimal condition. Quantification of hyaluronic acid and collagen showed that the proteoglycan fraction with molecular weight ≥ 5,000,000 consisted of hyaluronic acid-collagen-proteoglycan complex. The hot water extraction method established in this study can be used to extract the hyaluronic acid-collagen-proteoglycan complex from salmon nasal cartilage, and we have designated the salmon nasal cartilage extract obtained by this process as “Hyaluco PG”. The only solvent necessary for the hot water extraction method is water and the process is simple, both of which can drastically reduce costs compared to processes using acid, alkali, enzymes, or organic solvents such as ethanol. The hot water extraction method will allow the development of novel food materials with beneficial effects on health and beauty.