A small-scale clinical trial has shown promising results in improving cognitive function among individuals with memory problems through the use of a protein found in jellyfish.

Researchers with Quincy Bioscience have extracted a calcium-binding protein called apoaequorim from the Aequorea victoria jellyfish—also known as the crystal jelly—for use in their memory-enhancement trial. Apoaequorim is considered a promising potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The trial comprised 35 adults with an average age of 61 who had “memory concerns.” Over 60 days, the adults who received the jellyfish treatment experienced a 14% improvement in cognitive function over the control group, according to researchers.

Aequorea victoria jellyfish are typically found along the west coast of the Pacific Ocean, and are common in Puget Sound in Washington State. Researchers presented their findings this week at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Honolulu.