New natural solutions for immune health
Lycored, a global leader in the research and development of carotenoid-based wellness products, has increased its range of natural astaxanthin products with the launch of an oleoresin (a semi-solid extract of resin and oil) as well as a microencapsulated starch beadlet.
Created from Haematococcus pluvialis algae, the oleoresin product is a wellness extract designed for soft gels, while the starch beadlet is a CWD microencapsulated solution suitable for beverages and dry mixes.
The new products expand the options for astaxanthin applications, with microencapsulation technologies also providing options for tablets, hard-shell capsules, chewable tablets, gummies, nutritional bars and more.
Karin Hermoni, Head of Product and Science at Lycored, explains that algae-derived astaxanthin is a carotenoid that acts as a highly potent antioxidant, balancing oxidative and inflammatory status to support cellular health in general as well as specific health benefits such as skin and immune health. Therefore these innovations allow for the creation of a wide range of natural solutions to support cellular and immune health.
Lycored’s beadlet microencapsulation techniques, widely utilized in the company’s carotenoid family, enhance the stability of ingredients while minimizing cross-interaction and protecting against oxidation.
Buzz for immunity
Meanwhile, the Spanish life science ingredient manufacturer and product developer Disproquima, has launched an ingredient which combines propolis extract (M.E.D. propolis) with manuka honey and manuka essential oil.
The ingredients have been combined using M.E.D. technology to create the ingredient 'Flavoxale': a water soluble, free flowing powder, appropriate for the formulation of both solid and liquid supplements and food products.
Propolis is a resinous matrix that bees collect from gems, exudates and plants, resulting in a heterogeneous mixture rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, phenolic esters and sugars which offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial health benefits.
Manuka honey is world renowned for its antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as having vitamins and minerals that help consumers increase their energy and boost our immune system. It also contains vitamins A, C, D, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, as well as minerals and trace elements, including calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, iodine, sodium, and potassium.
Manuka essential oil is rich in terpenes (primary monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, methyl cinnamate and triketones) considered responsible for the honey's health benefits through activation of pathways resulting in the inhibition on inflammation induced by LPS.
