Proprietary herbal blend may enhance skin’s resilience to environmental stressors, says recent study

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A recent study¹ found that a polyphenol-enriched food supplement ingredient made of a blend of Lippia citriodora, Olea europaea, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Sophora japonica extracts helped mitigate the adverse effects of environmental pollution on skin and cardiopulmonary systems. The blend is marketed as ZeroPollution by Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SuanNutra. Researchers conducted both in vitro and ex vivo studies to assess the blend’s effects. Results showed that the blend reduced lipid peroxidation, inflammation (by reducing IL-1α), and metabolic alterations in human skin explants that were exposed to a mixture of pollutants. Researchers observed similar results in keratinocytes exposed to urban dust. In human endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts, the blend significantly reduced pollutant-induced reactive oxygen species, while also downregulating the expression of apoptotic genes.

“Oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of metabolic processes in the skin are considered the primary causes of pollution-derived skin disorders. Moreover, when the skin is also exposed to UV, this toxic stress is increased,” wrote the researchers. “These results are in line with previous research indicating the antioxidant properties, and antiapoptotic properties of at least some of the polyphenolic compounds present in ZP [ZeroPollution], in lung cells exposed to different aggressions.”

“The botanical blend was uniquely crafted to fortify the skin’s natural defences against external insults and nourish it from within,” said Nuria Caturla, PhD, chief R&D officer for Monteloeder, in a press release. “This study unveils Zeropollution’s antioxidant potential beyond skin health, suggesting cardiopulmonary and endothelial benefits. This broadens its application spectrum beyond nutricosmetics and aligns with the consumer belief that help for a beautiful complexion can emanate from the inside.”

According to the company, the blend is built around the company’s lemon verbena ingredient, and the formula is standardized to a number of active compounds that are quantified by HPLC-DAD analysis. The active compounds include hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, oleuropein, rosemary diterpenes, and quercetin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The blend is also versatile, and can be used in “shots,” soft gels, capsules, effervescent tablets, as well as functional foods and beverages.

Reference

1. Peno-Mazzarino, L.; Radionov, N.; Merino, M.; González, S.; Mullor, J.L.; Jones, J.; Caturla, N. Protective potential of a botanical-based supplement ingredient against the impact of environmental pollution on cutaneous and cardiopulmonary systems: preclinical study. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol.2024, 46 (2), 1530-1555. DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020099