Vitafoods Europe

Booth 3K22

Nutroxsun, a formula of rosemary and grapefruit extracts manufactured by Monteloeder, may help to protect the skin from the effects of UV exposure, a new study found.

The new findings, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, will be presented by experts from the company at Vitafoods Europe.

The ingredient was formulated to promote beauty from within and the skin’s resilience to environmental stressors, such as photoaging. Photoaging is associated with reduced collagen and elastin production, resulting from repeated exposure to UV radiation. It is also associated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can impact DNA. This can lead to redness in the short term, and collagen degradation over time, ultimately resulting in wrinkles and loss of skin structure.

In the present study, the authors first analyzed the photoprotective potential of the ingredient in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts exposed to UV radiation. The administration of the ingredient was linked to reductions in markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and processes linked to the degradation of the skin’s structural integrity. More specifically, there was a noted reduction in inflammatory markers, ROS, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers.

Following this, the authors recruited 20 volunteers for a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study, focusing on the skin’s response to UV-induced redness and the natural recovery processes following sun exposure.

Study participants took either a placebo or a 100 mg or 250 mg dose of the botanical formula. All participants experienced skin redness 24 hours after UVB exposure, confirming a response. Among fair-skinned participants, the higher dose was more effective in supporting skin recovery than 100 mg, with lower redness observed at all time points, though the 100 mg dose also demonstrated benefits over placebo.

“Nutroxsun was developed as a dietary solution to support the skin’s natural defense mechanisms in response to UV-induced oxidative stress,” said Mariana Ortega, science marketing manager of Suannutra, Monteloeder’s parent company. “It acts from within to help maintain skin health when exposed to environmental aggressors. Rosemary and grapefruit extracts contain phenolic compounds that work synergistically to help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. These effects are relevant to both short-term/ immediate responses, such as redness, and long-term factors associated with visible signs of photoaging, including collagen and elastin changes.”

“The results from the present study reinforce and expand on previous evidence supporting Nutroxsun’s role in helping improve skin health and appearance when exposed to UV-related stressors,” said Nuria Caturla, chief R&D officer at Monteloeder. “Rosemary extracts have been shown to help slow down collagen degradation further highlighting their potential to support dermal structure and resilience. Grapefruit flavones have been studied for their role in counteracting UVB-induced oxidative effects that may impact collagen integrity helping protect the skin by stopping UVB rays from breaking down collagen.”

A previous clinical study involving 90 participants found that after two months of supplementing with Nutroxsun, there was an associated reduction in markers of skin lipid peroxidation associated with UV exposure, and perceived improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, and elasticity. Additionally, participants self-reported improvements as well, with most stating that they found their skin to have an improved appearance and tone (77%) and that their skin felt firmer (73%), while almost as many (60%) said they experienced a visible reduction in wrinkles.