ViaPure® Sabal
| Plant Name: | Serenoa repens (syn, Serenoa serrulata) |
| Part Used: | Berries |
| INCI Nomenclature: | Serenoa serrulata fruit extract |
| Composition: | ≥ 90% fatty acids from saw palmetto |
| Use Level: | Up to 1% |
| Biological Activity: | 5α-reductase inhibition Aromatase inhibition COX-2 inhibition 5-lipoxygenase inhibition |
| Cosmetic Uses: | Reduce sebum secretion Alleviate acne Relieve irritated skin Help prevent hair loss |
The active components in ViaPure® Sabal are fatty acids extracted from saw palmetto berries, that have been concentrated, decolorized, and deodorized for use in cosmetic products.
It is known that saw palmetto fatty acids inhibit 5α-reductase (5αR), the enzyme that converts testosterone to 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Of the two isozymes of 5αR in the body, only 5αR Type 1 is relevant for cosmetic products (because it is predominantly expressed in skin, scalp and hair follicles). ViaPure® Sabal strongly inhibits 5αR Type 1.
Acne is characterized by sebaceous and inflammatory components, and ViaPure® Sabal helps to address both aspects of the problem. In a clinical study, ViaPure® Sabal reduced sebum production by almost half after two weeks. In addition, it has potent anti-inflammatory activity, strongly inhibiting the release of Prostaglandin E2 and several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a).
Inflammation and overproduction of 5αR and DHT in hair follicles are considered factors in androgenic alopecia (hair loss). Since ViaPure® Sabal addresses both factors, it may also contribute to healthy hair growth and help prevent accelerated hair loss.