Levagen+ Beneficial as Topical Cream for Dry, Itchy Skin
Gencor announced the publication of its most recent human clinical trial for Levagen+, a palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient with superior absorption shown to effectively alleviate dry, red, scaling, and itchy skin. The double-blind, randomized, comparator-controlled trial was conducted on 72 participants over the age of 18 with red, dry, scaling and itchy skin on their hands or arms. Researchers assessed the effectiveness of Levagen+ as a topical cream compared to a standard moisturizer to reduce eczema.
Participants were randomly assigned to two groups; one group was given Levagen+ to use and the other a comparator. Treatment was applied twice a day for four weeks to the affected area and researchers used Self-Assessed Eczema Area Severity Index (SA-EASI) scoring and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) to determine their conclusions. At the end of the study, Levagen+ was found to have significantly reduce redness, dryness, and total POEM score compared to the comparator cream.
Bacopa Ingredient Supports Memory, Stress Management & More
Samriddh Nutractive Pvt. Ltd. (Samriddh) has published its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled B-Lit Bacopa trial in the Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive Behavior. The study consisted of 80 healthy adults divided into two groups; one group was given 300mg of B-Lit Bacopa (B. monnieri extract) and the other a placebo every morning after breakfast for 12 weeks. During the trial, participants' anxiety and sleep were assessed while memory and cognitive functions were recorded using battery tests. Key findings included:
- A small effect on concentration was noted as quickly as three hours after a single dose.
- Reductions of serum cortisol levels were seen at day 56 and day 84.
- Increase in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on day 84.
- Memory benefits noted on day 14 and day 28.
The results showed notable improvements in short-term memory, spatial short-term memory, visuo-spatial memory, working memory and episodic memory for participants that had been given B-Lit Bacopa, the company reports. In addition, cognitive improvements were noted for focus, concentration, alertness, reasoning, and mental flexibility. Intended to support emotional and cognitive well-being, B-Lit Bacopa has been clinically studied and produced using natural, aqueous, solvent-free, food-grade BEAT Technology. The company says these findings highlight the ingredient's safety and effectiveness to support memory, cognition, and stress management.
Hyaluronic Acid Matrix Supports Muscle Regeneration
A new in vitro study examined the role of Bioiberica's Mobilee—a unique hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix ingredient made up of hyaluronic acid (60-75%), polysaccharides, and collagen—when combined with whey protein in supporting muscle regeneration. According to Bioiberica, the analysis confirmed that the pairing of Mobilee and whey protein promoted myocyte hyperplasia (an increase in muscle cell size) and myogenic differentiation; supporting muscle cell turnover and the renewal process. Previous studies of Mobilee have shown that a low 80-mg/day dose of the patented ingredient supports mobility.
When discussing the new scientific evidence, Daniel Martinez Puig, Head of R&D Human and Animal Health explained "quality research is the foundation of progression in the human nutrition arena – and as the scientific understanding behind our HA matrix ingredient grows, the more innovative ideas we spark. Mobilee has already demonstrated significant benefits for joint health, however, this latest study is the first-of-its-kind in the muscle health domain and marks the second phase of our research in this field."
Shatavari Root Extract for Menopausal Symptom Management
Women’s health ingredient supplier Waleria Healthtech Private Limited shared the news of a gold-standard study on the efficacy and safety of its branded ingredient aspurūs for the management of menopausal symptoms and regulation of HPO axis. aspurūs is a full-spectrum Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) root extract-based ingredient standardized to not less than 5% Shatavarins (steroidal saponins). Published in Cureus - Journal of Medical Science, the 8-week prospective, randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled intervention, included 70 participants split between a test group receiving aspurūs, Shatavari, and a placebo group. Participants were pre- and post-menopausal women between the ages of 40-65 years old who were experiencing menopausal symptoms.
The results: The supplement group experienced reductions in the most complained about symptoms, including a 85% reduction in hot flashes in as few as 4 weeks, a 90% reduction in night sweats in as few as 8 weeks, and 60% greater reduction of reported sleeplessness compared to placebo. Improvements in Utian quality of life (UQoL) were significant in the test group, indicating a tangible enhancement in overall well-being. There were no significant adverse events reported in the test group, indicating the safety of the ingredient.
“Our study shows the potential of aspurūs in providing relief from major menopausal symptoms without the accompanying side effects often associated with conventional therapies,” said Komal Baldwa, Founder of Waleria. “This offers hope for women seeking effective and safe alternatives during this transformative phase of life. Additionally, it gives manufacturers an opportunity to formulate with a clinically studied lower dose ingredient efficacious in reducing major menopausal symptoms.”
aspurūs is offered at a low dose of 500-mg, the company says, and can be formulated into a diverse array of delivery forms.
Microalgae Extract Shown to Boost Cognitive Health
A preclinical study published in Marine Drugs has substantiated evidence that BrainPhyt, an extract of microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) from Microphyt, has neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement benefits. BrainPhyt is a nutrient-rich extract of PT containing omega-3 fatty acids and 2% fucoxanthin, a carotenoid and potent antioxidant fortifier of neurotransmitters and neuronal networks.
For the randomized study, 72 mice were divided into six total groups: control, negative control, and four varying dose BrainPhyt groups. The control group was given a saline injection while D-galactose injections were given for five days per week to the other groups. The results showed BrainPhyt's significant cognitive improvement compared to the placebo group and its capability to protect against memory and behavior issues caused by D-galactose, the company shared.
Biochemical analysis also showed positive effects on markers of oxidative stress, including brain and plasma levels of lipid peroxidation as well as significant reduction to inflammatory markers including TNF-α and IL-6 for groups receiving BrainPhyt. “The data are consistent with previous studies demonstrating neuroprotective effects of extracts from Phaeodactylum tricornutum," said Dr. Rémi Pradelles, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Microphyt.
Botanical Blend Protects Skin From Damage
A new preclinical study has found the branded ingredient Zeropollution is capable of shielding skin from the harmful effects of city pollution and free radical damage on a cellular level. The research, published in the Journal of Current Issues in Molecular Biology, observed positive outcomes in ex vivo human skin explants and in vitro models using human epidermal cells exposed to pollutants, including heavy metals and diesel particles found in urban dust.
Formulated by Monteloeder, S.L, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, Zeropollution is made from lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), olive (Olea europaea), and Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) botanical extracts. The blend showed a protective effect including marked reductions in lipid peroxidation induced by pollutants as well as reactive molecules generated by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors that can damage cells and tissues. In addition to suppressing the inflammatory response triggered by environmental pollution, Zeropollution reduced IL 1-a inflammatory markers by almost 90% and greatly reduced pollutant-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human endothelial cells and lung tissue cells.
“Zeropollution possesses profound antioxidant and protective properties, as proven by its ability to reduce free-radical damage, inflammation and lipid peroxidation, while also offering protection against heavy metals,” said Nuria Caturla, Ph.D., Chief R&D Officer for Monteloeder.
The study concluded Zeropollution, which can be administered in soft gel, capsules, effervescent tablets, shots, and functional foods and beverages, successfully thwarted the negative effects of urban dust, significantly reduced pollutant-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human endothelial cells and lung tissue cells, and effectively suppressed the inflammatory response prompted by environmental pollution.
Cognitive Health Segment Ready for Takeoff
Nutrition21 has shared insights from a white paper on the cognitive health category. According to the Everwell Health company, the cognitive health space is projected to be one of the fastest growing health areas of 2024. As cognitive health solutions become more popular, Nutrition21 says manufacturers can incorporate ingredients like nooLVL, a non-GMO, GRAS, non-stimulant cognitive health ingredient providing safe and effective focus, to their products to gain the attention of consumers interested in cognitive health supplements.
Consumer demand for cognitive health solutions has increased since 2020 and is comparable to interest in digestive and immune health products, according to the company. Supplements found in North America aimed at mental acuity have grown almost 20% CAGR from 2020 to 2023. Jordan Miller, Vice President of Marketing for Nutrition21, shared his thoughts on the change in demand: “...consumers really have cognition on the mind, which is driving category growth and diversification to support multiple facets of cognitive function.”
Other takeaways from the Stay Sharp: Cognitive solutions to spark focus white paper:
- Evolution of the category and key consumer insights driving need for cognitive solutions that support multiple facets of cognitive function;
- Bridging the cognitive gap between consumer desire for new solutions that work without the side effects of stimulants;
- The science behind nooLVL featuring multiple clinical studies with scientifically substantiated cognitive claims such as boosting focus, concentration, memory, along with helping to support energy levels;
- How to formulate new products for success that are effective and fit consumers’ preferred delivery format.
SAMe Shows Potential as Alternative to Antidepressants
With depression impacting nearly 280 million individuals worldwide (according to the World Health Organization), 29% to 46% of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) still exhibit symptoms of partial to no response to antidepressant treatments. New articles published in the General Hospital Psychiatry and Progress and Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry examined the efficacy and acceptability of SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) amongst depressed patients.
Findings from a meta-analysis and systematic review validated the potential of SAMe, which is offered by Gnosis by Lesaffre, as an alleviator of depression symptoms compared to conventional antidepressants. Both studies examined safety and tolerability as well as viability to be incorporated into treatment plans for patients looking for alternative antidepressants.
“S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) as an adjuvant therapy for patients with depression" evaluated 14 trials with 1,522 subjects and examined the evidence concerning the efficacy of SAMe (at doses ranging from 200 to 3,200 mg and durations of 2 to 12 weeks) as a monotherapy or in combination with antidepressants. A second meta-analysis, titled "Efficacy and acceptability of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) for depressed patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis," examined 23 trials with a total of 2,183 participants compared SAMe, ranging from 45 to 3,200 mg, with either placebo or antidepressants.
Several studies found that people with MDD tended to have lower levels of SAMe in their cerebrospinal fluid. Administration of SAMe increased its concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, indicating its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. SAMe played a beneficial role in biochemical mechanisms that have been associated with depression, regulating key components of neurotransmission related to MDD.
Publication of the combined research could have significant influence on the approach for treatment by healthcare providers, Gnosis by Lesaffre reported. ean-François Jeanne, Substantiation and Applications Manager for Gnosis by Lesaffre, noted, “In the realm of depression management, where conventional approaches encounter obstacles such as treatment discontinuation and low success rates, there is a growing acknowledgment of the significance of exploring alternatives to overcome challenges with traditional methods."
