Swiss ingredient supplier Mibelle Biochemistry recently launched FenuKale Nu, a dietary supplement ingredient formulated to protect the skin from both air pollution and UV rays.
 
The antioxidant-rich powder contains blue fenugreek and kale extracts, in order to combat the effects of UV rays, ozone, CO_2, and particulate matter, which are linked to accelerated skin aging, collagen diminution, skin barrier dysfunction, and chronic inflammation, according to the company. These environmental factors can also have an impact on DNA, and change the epigenome (chemical compounds which modifies the genome in a way that alters genetic expression).
 
According to Mibelle Biochemistry, preliminary research on this ingredient provided signs that it may benefit skin health from the undesired effects of air pollution through an interplay of three different mechanisms.
 
The ingredient may detoxify skin cells from unwanted free radicals, a factor associated with aging – this also reduced the levels of carbonylated proteins in the skin cells, which is a marker for cellular damage.
 
Further, it was evidenced that this ingredient could reduce the negative impact that air pollution has on the epigenome of skin cells, improving the modification pattern of proteins when treated long-term with urban dust.
 
Additionally, the ingredient reduced the release of the cytokines IL-8 and CCL-2, which is associated with a reduced risk of chronic inflammation and improved skin barrier function.
 
A placebo-controlled human clinical study, which took place in a highly polluted area, found that supplementation improved a number of skin parameters in a pool of participants, according to the company. After taking 350 mg of FenuKale over a period of 56 days, participants experienced a significant improvement in trans-epidermal water loss, indicating an improvement in skin barrier function. Further, the participants who took FenuKale as opposed to a placebo saw significant improvements in self-reported skin hydration, luminescence, and texture.
 
FenuKale, which will be showcased at the SupplySide East and West conferences and Vitafoods Europe, is suitable for applications including tablets, capsules, beverages, and more.