Secrets to Balance “Sebum Production” with 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme
Sebum production is critical for maintaining the natural balance of our skin and hair health. One of the factors affecting this balance is the 5 alpha reductase enzyme.
In our latest blog, we'll examine the impact of this enzyme on two separate parts : skin and hair...
The presence of 5α-reductase (5α-R) in the skin is an indication that androgen regulation of sebaceous glands and sebum production requires localized conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Sebum production plays a crucial role in our skin's health and appearance. It is a natural oil produced by our body to keep our skin hydrated and protected. However, excessive sebum production can lead to oily skin, acne, and other skin issues.
One of the key enzymes involved in the regulation of sebum production is the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Recent research suggests that inhibiting this enzyme can help decrease sebum production, thereby improving skin health.
In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind this process and explore how controlling the 5-alpha reductase enzyme can aid in skincare.
Understanding Sebum Production
Sebum is a waxy, oily substance produced by body's sebaceous glands. It coats, moisturizes, and protects your skin. Without it, your skin would be dry, fragile, and more prone to pathogens. However, when your body produces too much sebum, it can make your skin look oily. This overproduction can also lead to blocked pores, which can result in acne.
Sebum is also thought to play an important role in acne vulgaris in recent studies. [ 1 ]
Various factors can influence sebum production, such as hormones, diet, and stress. Furthermore, an enzyme known as the 5-alpha reductase plays a significant role in this process.
The Role of the 5-alpha Reductase Enzyme
The 5-alpha reductase enzyme is a crucial player in sebum production. It converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen that stimulates sebaceous glands to produce sebum.
Therefore, higher levels of DHT can lead to increased sebum production and potentially problems. This is why inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme has become a target for managing conditions related to excessive sebum production.
Testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Inhibiting the 5-alpha Reductase Enzyme
Scientific studies have shown that inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme can effectively help reduce sebum production. Certain natural compounds and their active molecules can inhibit this enzyme's activity.
In skincare, ingredients like saw palmetto, green tea, pomegranate are known to inhibit the enzyme, thereby helping to control sebum production and prevent acne. [ 2,3,4 ]
A comprehensive study in 2015 revealed that gallate polyphenols such as Epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate and pentagalloyl glucose inhibit testosterone conversion and sebum synthesis by reducing the conversion of testosterone to the more active androgen dihydrotestosterone in the 5 α-reductase enzymatic reaction. [5]
Although this study examined oak extract, which is rich in gallate polyphenols and catechins, there is a wide variety of plants in nature that are rich in these polyphenols.
In recent studies on 5α-Reductase Inhibition by Ellagitannin Oenothein B, it is predicted that these actives inhibit 5 alpha reductase and thus decrease sebum production. [6]
A more recent approach is based on a group of researchers who wanted to identify the active plant molecule that inhibits 5 alpha reductase. In this study, the aqueous extract showing inhibition of the enzyme was analyzed and the fraction responsible for this activity was purified. The active compound was identified as the macrocyclic tannin, oenothein B. [7]
And that's where oenothein B takes us to the pomegranate fruit.
Guided by bioassays of pomegranate seeds, punicalagin and oenothein B contents have been identified as potent inhibitors [8].
Notable in vitro and in vivo biological activities reported for Oenothein B include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities [9].
💡Active Bioworks has a great idea to take advantage of this actives of Pomegranate💡
First of all, meet SebumActive 4D, our formulation developed for the skin.
SebumActive 4D
Inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase with Oenothein B and punicalagins in SebumActive 4D®, reduce the levels of DHT in the body and consequently, reduce the production of sebum.
Results
SebumActive 4D® inhibits the 5a-reductase enzyme activity with a dose-dependent effect and results as decrease in sebum production.
SebumActive 4D is beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin, as excess sebum production is a common contributor to these conditions.
Pomegranate extract in SebumActive 4D is a rich source of antioxidants, which are molecules that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and other forms of oxidative stress.
- Promote decrease in Sebum production with inhibition of 5 alpha reductase enzyme.
- Concentrated phenols content as Ellagic Acid.
- High antioxidant capacity as Vitamin C.
In SebumActive 4D this phenols are obtained with special enzymes from pomegranate. Enzymatic extraction concentrate phenols content in product. So, SebumActive 4D has high antioxidant activity.
Results
SebumActive 4D® shows up to 42% decrease in sebum production in sebocytes in sebaceous glands.
Let's talk about the effects of the 5 alpha reductase enzyme on the scalp...
As you know, our skin is not only our face, the scalp is also one of the areas that have been studied in these research studies.
This enzyme plays an important role in the mechanism associated with hair loss.
DHT is synthesized from the testosterone by 5-reductase, and high levels of this DHT signal the end of the hair development period.
Hair falls out without thickening as a result, and many thin and short hairs grow more thinner.
Inhibition of the 5 alpha reductase enzyme controls sebum production by reducing DHT production. This can be an effective strategy against oily hair problems and hair loss. It can create a healthy hair environment by controlling the oiliness of the scalp.
It's time to talk about a mechanism developed just for your hair :
ScalpActive BIO
ScalpActive BIO is innovative Anti-Dandruff Bio-Complex, a synergistic fermented botanical complex that combines plants selected for their complementary abilities to eliminate dandruff-causing factors.
ScalpActive BIO was obtained by bioextracting Oenothein B, Anthocyanin, kaemferol-3-O-rhamnoside and Antioxidants from Pomegranate and Eucalyptus.
Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract (Antioxidants)
Pomegranate extract is a rich source of antioxidants, which are molecules that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and other forms of oxidative stress.
In ScalpActive BI-O this phenols are obtained with special enzymes from pomegranate.
Enzymatic extraction concentrate phenols content in product. So, SebumActive 4D has high antioxidant activity.
Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Extract (Anti Fungal Agent)
- Growth inhibition of dandruff related yeasts as Malessezia furfur.
- Anti-inflammatory property with its phenol content.
It is used to limit the formation of dandruff in a gentle and natural way without damaging the hair and scalp.
This product softens, exfoliates, and opens the scalp, fights the sensation of itching, has a prebiotic and postbiotic effect and stimulates local blood flow.
ScalpActive BIO® inhibits the 5a-reductase enzyme activity with a dose-dependent effect and results as decrease in sebum production.
Free radical scavenging capacity was evaluated by DPPH (1,1 diphenyl 2 picryl hydrazyl) test after 30 min.
ScalpActive BI-O® has high antioxidant activity and showed up to 98% scavenging power even in low concentrations.
Conclusion
Understanding the mechanisms behind sebum production can help us manage skin health more effectively. The role of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in sebum production is significant, and inhibiting this enzyme offers a promising approach to controlling sebum production and enhancing skin and hair health.
Unlock the science behind this transformation with actives that address skin and scalp issues separately, made for both skin and hair...
REFERENCES
[1] Bissonnette, R., et al. "Changes in serum free testosterone, sleep patterns, and 5‐alpha‐reductase type I activity influence changes in sebum excretion in female subjects." Skin Research and Technology 21.1 (2015): 47-53.
[2] Jeong, Se-Kyoo, et al. Inhibitors from Native Plants and their Sebosuppressive Effects in Cultured Human Sebaceous Gland Cells." Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea 31.3 (2005): 273-277.
[3] Thiboutot, Diane, et al. "Activity of the type 1 5α-reductase exhibits regional differences in isolated sebaceous glands and whole skin." Journal of investigative dermatology 105.2 (1995): 209-214.
[4] Chen, W., Ch C. Zouboulis, and C. E. Orfanos. "The 5α-recluctase system and its inhibitors." Dermatology 193.3 (1996): 177-184.
[5] Koseki, Junichi, et al. "Inhibition of rat 5α-reductase activity and testosterone-induced sebum synthesis in hamster sebocytes by an extract of Quercus acutissima cortex." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015 (2015).
[6] Ducrey, B., et al. "Inhibition of 5α-reductase and aromatase by the ellagitannins oenothein A and oenothein B from Epilobium species." Planta medica 63.02 (1997): 111-114.
[7] Lesuisse, D., et al. "Determination of oenothein B as the active 5-α-reductase-inhibiting principle of the folk medicine Epilobium parviflorum." Journal of Natural Products 59.5 (1996): 490-492.
[8] Kawakami, Kayoko, et al. "Inhibitory effects of pomegranate extracts on recombinant human maltase–glucoamylase." Journal of food science 79.9 (2014): H1848-H1853.
[9] Yoshida, Takashi, Morio Yoshimura, and Yoshiaki Amakura. "Chemical and biological significance of oenothein B and related ellagitannin oligomers with macrocyclic structure." Molecules 23.3 (2018): 552.
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