Actiful®: a key ingredient for healthy aging
Actiful®: a key ingredient for healthy aging
Are you looking for an impactful science-based ingredient to add to your energy and vitality supplement? Well, look no further as the research-based evidence is expanded on the key role of Actiful® in supporting energy production, improving mental wellness, and reducing oxidative stress.
How can we slow down the aging process?
Aging is a complex process (1) characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function and an increased susceptibility to various diseases. It encompasses a range of biological, psychological, and social changes that occur over time. At the cellular level, aging involves factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of damage from oxidative stress. These processes contribute to a decline in the efficiency of cellular repair and maintenance mechanisms.
Factors impacting the aging process
Additionally, genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in influencing the rate of aging. While aging is a natural and inevitable part of life, lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can impact the rate at which the aging process unfolds. Continuous research is taking place to study aging and better understand potential interventions to promote healthy aging and longevity (2).
A combination of diet and supplementation
Slowing down the aging process involves adopting a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of one’s lifestyle. A balanced and nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for maintaining cellular health and preventing oxidative stress. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management can positively impact both mental and physical health (3). Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also vital, as they accelerate the aging process.
Combining these lifestyle factors and taking appropriate supplements can create a foundation for a healthier and more vibrant aging experience. Adding supplements to the diet can be beneficial for healthy aging, as they can help address specific nutrient deficiencies and support overall well-being. They are often recommended for digestive health, immune support or cell function optimization. (4, 5)
Actiful®: clinically proven ingredient for healthy aging
Actiful® is a patent-protected plant-based ingredient for improved energy production, mental wellness and mitochondria support. It is standardized for hesperidin which is a key polyphenol extracted from sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). Actiful® also contain pomegranate (Punica granatum), known to be rich in nitrate and useful for NO production, leading to vasodilation. Previous clinical data has already shown the beneficial properties that the combination of these polyphenols has in terms of enhanced physical performance (6, 7), mental health support (7), improved energy production by the mitochondria (8) and improved blood flow (9).
Recent clinical data further underlines the benefits that Actiful® brings to the table. The combination of hesperedin and pomegranate in a 350mg supplement capsule was provided to healthy seniors for 4 weeks in a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled manner. In the end of the intervention period, the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) in the blood decreased by ≈ 10% (10). This is a statistically significant and clinically relevant result as MGO accumulation in cells leads to cellular disfunction and shorter cell life. Clearly, you would like to stimulate MGO scavenging, if you are targeting healthy aging.
The role of Actiful® in supporting the mitochondria
The mechanism of action of the polyphenols present in Actiful® is quite complex and apparently linked with benefits and protection for our mitochondria, the so called ‘powerhouse’ of the cells. Hesperidin and pomegranate are known for their antioxidant properties (11, 12), which contributes to the direct MGO scavenging. They also reduce oxidative stress which leads to support of the natural body’s detoxification mechanisms. All of the above mentioned benefits are directly linked with the potential of Actiful® to protect the mitochondria and support its function via the reduction of MGO, observed in the latest clinical data of Actiful® (10).
The potential of Actiful® for the supplements market
The latest data allows Actiful® to expand its market possibilities. It can be an active ingredient in vitality supplements for mid-aged adults and active seniors as well as in energy drinks and sports drinks. Actiful® can be marketed for its beneficial effects on vitality, mental wellbeing, energy production and mitochondria support.
WEBINAR: Watch on demand
Webinar Watch on Demand: Maintain your Brain!
With Brainberry® and AlgaSense®
Are you looking for a brain health ingredient backed-up by science? We presented two ingredients fitting into the current trends. Find out more about the science behind Brainberry® and AlgaSense® and their formulation possibilities. Dive into the world of brain health and cognitive wellness with our exclusive webinar . Watch on demand here.
Why should you watch?
The world of cognitive wellness and brain health is growing as more and more people become aware of their importance. At this webinar, we set the focus on Brainberry® and AlgaSense®, our premium brain health ingredients. Deepen your knowledge about the science behind Aronia Nero Eggert berries and whole algae as well as the benefits they offer. Find out the opportunities of formulation and product formats available.
Presentation by Marit
10 minutes
US Market Insights: Explore the latest trends, expected growth, and consumer preferences in the US brain supplements market.
Presentation by Joris
10 minutes
The Science and Formulation possibilities of Brainberry®: Uncover the scientific data behind Brainberry® and understand its impact on brain health.
Presentation by Thomas
10 minutes
The Science and Formulation possibilities of AlgaSense®: Learn about the diverse formulation possibilities of AlgaSense® and its benefits for mood support and stress management.
How can oleuropein improve skin health?
How can oleuropein improve skin health?
Who doesn’t desire youthful looks and optimal skin health? Unfortunately, the aging process tends to impact our skin negatively. Wouldn’t it be great if we could slow down this natural process and improve skin health? This article delves into the beneficial impact of oleuropein on preserving skin health.
Why is skin health important?
The skin, our body’s largest organ, acts as the primary barrier between the external environment and our internal world. Beyond its role in protecting against pathogens, toxins, and physical injuries, maintaining skin health is crucial to reducing the risk of infections and diseases (1).
Additionally, the skin plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration, contributing significantly to the overall balance and well-being of the body through the process of homeostasis (2).
How does aging affect skin health?
As we age, the importance of maintaining healthy skin becomes even more apparent. The skin undergoes changes, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Sun and wind exposure, air pollution, climate conditions, chemical exposure, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to alterations in the appearance and function of the skin (3).
Primarily, visible signs of aging manifest as wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen breakdown and a reduction in elastin fibers result in decreased skin elasticity and firmness. Additionally, aging causes thinning of the skin. The upper layers, the epidermis and dermis, become less thick and lose density, increasing the risk of injury and making blood vessels more visible on the skin surface (4).
Maintaining healthy skin becomes paramount to tackling the aging factors, ultimately improving the quality of life as one ages (5). For example, skin dryness and irritation are natural consequences of decreased oil production with age (6, 7). To remedy this situation, nutritional supplements containing omega-3, collagen or oleuropein are showing some promise. Therefore, supporting skin health from within is a trend, currently popular for investigation among the scientific community.
What is oleuropein?
Oleuropein, a natural polyphenol, is abundant in olives, olive leaves and olive oil, giving them a distinctive bitter taste, especially in extra virgin olive oil (8). It is renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a subject of interest in various studies focused on skin health (8, 9, 10). It holds promise to support the skin’s natural oil production and tackle dryness and irritation.
The beneficial effect of oleuropein on skin health
As the skin undergoes the natural aging process, one of the prominent challenges it faces is an escalation in oxidative stress within skin cells. Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular structures including proteins, lipids, and DNA, which contributes significantly to skin damage. By effectively neutralizing free radicals, oleuropein helps to reduce oxidative stress in skin cells and preserves the integrity of cellular structures and functions (9).
Furthermore, aging is often accompanied by an increased tendency towards inflammation in skin cells, a phenomenon linked to the emergence of various skin conditions. Oleuropein is suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties. It targets the pathways involved in the inflammatory process, helping to reduce the overall inflammatory burden. By doing so, oleuropein not only addresses the symptoms but also acts preventatively and its anti-inflammatory ability emerges as a valuable asset in promoting overall skin wellness and resilience (9).
How to use Oleuropein as a supplement?
Olive leaf extract comprises 25-40% oleuropein (11). Achieving the clinically studied dose of 100mg of oleuropein per day through regular diet alone poses a challenge. Consequently, oleuropein supplementation is a practical consideration. Taking a daily supplement can help you reach the recommended clinical dose and have positive results.
Typical application formats include soft gels, capsules, tablets and powders. Oleuropein is stable and can be combined with collagen, magnesium, selenium and vitamins B, D, E & K.
Oleuropein’s dual action as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent positions it as a valuable component in skin care, offering protective measures against oxidative stress and inflammation associated with the aging process (12, 13, 14).
An example of an olive leaf extract that is standardized for its high oleuropein levels is Bonolive®.
