Microcapsules containing Saw Palmetto extract

01. Product description

Dry gelatine microcapsules obtained by coacervation in aqueous phase, containing Saw Palmetto oil (W. Bartram) phytotherapeutic lipophilic extract obtained without solvents but in supercritical CO2, to ensure purity without harmful residues. This oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic, lauric, myristic, linoleic, linolenic, palmitic, caprylic and capric acids, steroids, including β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, campesterol and stigmasterol.

The microcapsules are specifically designed to protect the active ingredient from direct oxidizing agents and the vehiculation of the active part (fatty acids) at the intestinal level, thus favouring its therapeutic efficacy. The membrane of the microcapsules is made up of gelatine and the dimensions vary from 150 to 500 μm, with an oil content of up to 85%. The microcapsules can be added to solid oral formulations such as hard capsules, sachets or orodispersible formulations, while maintaining the nutritional characteristics of the oil as it is.

02. General Information

Saw Palmetto extract is obtained from fruits of a dwarf palm, very common and widespread in the south-east of the United States of America; it is naturally rich in fatty acids and phytosterols which are mainly responsible for its therapeutic effects. In particular, Saw Palmetto is successfully used in the control of mild benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [1] and in androgenetic alopecia [2]. The mechanism of action implies the inhibitory action by fatty acids on 5α-reductase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Saw Palmetto also exerts an anti-inflammatory action through the inhibition of COX and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes, with consequent inhibition of the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Saw Palmetto is also used against hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), oral and topical use, in relation to the blocking of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme [1].

03. Composition

Bibliographic notes

"[1]. F.K. Habib, Serenoa repens: The Scientific Basis for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, European Urology Supplements 8 (2009) 887-893"

"[2]. S.Chatterjee et al. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) in androgenic alopecia, an effective phytotherapy, Natural Product Radiance, Vol 2 (6) November-December 2003.

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