Weekly Digest: Gencor tackles transparency on the botanical market, carotenoids could enhance sunscreen

11 May 2018 --- This week Lycored adds to research on carotenoids finding that they hold UV protective properties as well as complementing traditional sunscreens, while Gencor, a botanical ingredient supplier, tackles the issue of transparency and adulteration on the botanical market in a bid to strengthen consumer confidence. In the world of mineral salts, Macco group acquire Isaltis to cement a stronger foothold in the market.

Lycored research further uncovers carotenoids potential for UV protection.
A Lycored study adds to the growing body of evidence that carotenoids such as lycopene could protect the skin from UV sun damage, as well as enhance traditional sunscreens. Carotenoids are found in many plants, algae and bacteria and are believed to protect the body against cellular damage and aging.

The study treated ex vivo human skin tissues with formulations combining SPF 15 sunscreen with Lycored’s Lycomato + rosemary extract, which contains lycopene and other natural carotenoids. When they tested the samples for harmful UV-induced reactive oxidant species, they found that the combination reduced oxidative stress, indicating possible synergistic activity.

The research shows that Lycomato may complement traditional sun and skincare products by neutralizing free radicals. Adding carotenoids to topical formulations may hold other benefits for skin health and appearance, including increased skin density and elasticity. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of carotenoids may add to the shelf life of sunscreen.

“The idea of a synergy between carotenoids and topical UV protection is tremendously exciting. We’re passionate about sharing these possibilities both with consumers and industry partners and with our life-size interactive installation at Vitafoods, we’ll be doing that in a very creative way,” says Zev Ziegler, Head of Global Brand & Marketing, Health at Lycored

Call for further research on “controversial” low-carb diet as type 1 diabetes treatment, as online survey finds promise. 
Research published in Pediatrics utilized data from an online group of diabetics who closely follow a low-carb diet, of which nearly half were children. Participants reported an average daily carbohydrate intake of 36 grams, or about 5 percent of total calories (for comparison, the American Diabetes Association recommends about 45 percent of calories come from carbohydrates).

Safety concerns have been raised about very-low-carb diets in type 1 diabetes, primarily that they increase the risk of hypoglycemia or dangerous drops in blood sugar. However, in the study, 80 percent of participants were pleased with their diabetes management.

The study authors note that severe carbohydrate restriction is actually a very old approach to type 1 diabetes. Before the discovery of insulin, it could extend children's lives, sometimes even for years. Once insulin was introduced, carb restriction fell out of practice. But the authors believe very-low-carbohydrate diets deserve further study in type 1 diabetes. Since this study was observational in nature and not controlled, they call for randomized clinical trials to rigorously test the diet's safety and efficacy. 

Gencor program to enhance transparency on the US botanical market.
In a bid to address ingredient adulteration and transparency issues on the botanical market that can erode consumer trust, supplier of clinically researched botanical ingredients Gencor, will initiate a range of new partnerships. The company will partner with global ingredient brands to supply the US market, as well as continuing to provide its own proprietary ingredients. Its goal is to provide ease of mind to brand manufacturers and access to thoroughly vetted partners backed by in-depth quality assurance documentation.

Each of Gencor’s partners must be certified according to their regions and must be able to provide DNA and genetic testing, as well as clinical studies on its ingredients proving the efficacy. To take it one step further, Gencor works closely with manufacturers who purchase the ingredient to ensure that the finished product contains the most potent and efficacious dose as shown in its perspective clinical studies.

“We understand that brand manufacturers are looking for efficiencies in validating and auditing vendors, and that is what this program does,” said Chase Shryoc, VP of Sales and Business Development at Gencor. “We verify both ends of the spectrum from the source of the ingredient to the manufacturer who purchases it, offering a turnkey solution for brands.”

Gencor’s growing list of partners includes Pharmako, Biotechnologies, Linnea, Bionap, Vinh Wellness, Pharmactive Biotech Products and BTC.

Macco group to acquire Isaltis in move that creates “world leader in high purity mineral salts.”
Macco Organiques Canada, specialists in mineral salts for food and pharma industries, acquires Isaltis, specialized in high purity mineral salts for the life sciences markets. The transaction involves Macco taking a majority stake of 75 percent in Isaltis’ capital, with Isaltis’ historical shareholders retaining a 25 percent stake to accompany Macco for a few years in the new phase of development and the integration into the Macco group.

With this transaction, the combined Macco / Isaltis becomes the “world leader in high purity mineral salts” with a strong complementarity in the following areas: Geographical, with a presence on several continents and worldwide sales; Commercial and marketing, with a perfectly complementary product range and no overlap; Industrial, with plants in North America, and in Western and Eastern Europe. The objective of the two groups’ management teams is to implement the various synergies identified notably in the commercial and industrial fields.

“The acquisition of Isaltis is a strategic opportunity for the Macco group to constitute a world leadership position for a range of very high-quality mineral salts serving the dynamic life sciences markets, with a strong complementarity between the two groups,” says Robert Briscoe, Macco chairman.

By Laxmi Haigh