Network Nutrition debuts silica extract targeting bone health and beauty-from-within

11 Aug 2023 --- Australia-based herbal extract formulator Network Nutrition, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, has developed Equisil, a natural silica extract drawn from the horsetail plant Equisetum arvense, demonstrating enhanced absorption of the mineral.

The company has found a way to preserve and enhance an essential group of polysaccharides that “template” silica from the soil where the horsetail is cultivated. EquiSil then provides the complex of these polysaccharides and silica in biogenic amorphous nano-form.

The amorphous and nano characteristics contribute to better absorption of silica from EquiSil.

“We knew our process was going to be effective in enriching both bioactive polysaccharides and silica together in one final extract, though we had to innovate new methodology to be able to actually prove it,” says Ryan Gorman, brand director at Network Nutrition.

“Working with the team at the University of New South Wales, we’ve now been able to accomplish that and give validity to EquiSil’s process and composition.”

Collagen synthesis mainstay
Silica plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis and the production of elastin and keratin. Horsetail extracts are widely used in beauty-from-within products.

The hypothesis that drove EquiSil’s development was that by enriching bioactive polysaccharides and silica together, rather than selective targeting of silica alone, the mechanisms behind the uptake of silica into the horsetail plant would regulate the “download” of silica in the form of a dietary supplement or food.

“Particularly Western populations endure a relatively low dietary intake of silica due to the prevalence of processed foods in the diet. Silica is vital for bone development and strength, healthy hair, skin and nails, and also acts as a natural metal chelating agent, so it may have other complementary benefits, including combating cognitive impairment,” adds Gorman.Equisil’s amorphous qualities provide better absorption of silica.

Further research is ongoing into EquiSil’s benefits with the expectation of growing its applications.

EquiSil is available worldwide from specialty ingredients giant IMCD.

Changing health narratives
The beauty-from-within ingestible beauty segment continues to be rejuvenated with new expressions of products targeting vitality and healthy aging. It is shifting innovation to more lifestyle-focused nutrition and cosmetic applications while searching the deeper recesses of the body for answers through genetic and immune system R&D.

Global collagen supplier Gelita has committed to changing the narrative around beauty-from-within, away from vanity, to a more all-encompassing type of beauty for all ethnicities, cultures, genders and age groups. 

Meanwhile, Symrise’s range of bioactives for nutricosmetics, branded Diana Food, aims to deliver “inside-out” beauty benefits for crucial consumer demands in skin conditioning and anti-aging, skin brightening, and hair and nail care. The range includes naturally sourced bioactives, such as collagen type I, vitamins C and A and polyphenols from various fruits.

Regarding bone health, though prunes have long been recommended for their fiber effects, recent studies reveal that dried plum’s health effects go far beyond regularity. During Men’s Health Week, the California Prune Board spotlighted the stone fruits’ benefits toward combating osteoporosis.

Citrates of calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium make up a quartet of nutrients that should be considered when developing support and supplement formulas for bone conditions such as osteoporosis, which affects about 200 million people globally.

Edited by Inga de Jong