Phytoglycogen: An Effective Moisturizing and Anti-Aging Active

Glycogen is a branched polysaccharide naturally found in most living organisms. In the human body, it plays an important role as a cellular energy source and energy reserve. Phytospherix is a glycogen derived from non-GMO sweet corn and chemically similar to animal glycogen. It is a pure, biologically soluble, edible, environmentally friendly nanomaterial that can be used as a humectant in skin care products due to its hygroscopic nature. A study was conducted on fibroblast cells to observe the effect of phytoglycogen on skin cell growth and functions. After an incubation period of 36 hours, growth rate, collagen and hyaluronic acid production were measured in cells containing 0.05% phytoglycogen and in control cells containing the same amount of sodium pyruvate. Results are shown in Figure 1. Phytoglycogen increases cell growth by 20%, collagen production by 60% and hyaluronic acid production by 83%. It has also been demonstrated that phytoglycogen can penetrate the dermis layer of the skin, which contains collagen and elastin. These two proteins, which give skin elasticity and firmness, are very important for skin health. Their production in the skin decreases with advancing age; this leads to wrinkle formation, lack of elasticity and skin sagging. Phytoglycogen marked with a fluorescent molecule penetrates to a depth of 150-170 μm; Figure 2 shows that it reaches the dermis layer where it can increase cell growth, collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Three different cream bases were prepared and changes in skin moisture level were observed using a corneometer. While comparing performance with hyaluronic acid, which is frequently used in skin care creams and has moisture retention properties, synergistic effects were also examined. The effect on skin moisture level of cream bases prepared using 0.1% hyaluronic acid, 0.1% phytoglycogen and 0.05% hyaluronic acid and 0.05% phytoglycogen together was measured. Results in Figure 3 show that phytoglycogen has a better moisturizing effect compared to hyaluronic acid and their performance increases when used together. In addition to in-vitro tests, clinical tests were conducted to evaluate the anti-aging performance of phytoglycogen. Placebo without phytoglycogen and face creams containing 0.1% and 0.3% phytoglycogen were used twice daily for 6 weeks in 3 different groups consisting of 30 volunteers. Skin appearance at the end of testing was evaluated in 9 different categories: Overall appearance, fine lines, deep wrinkles, smoothness (appearance), smoothness (touch), firmness (appearance), skin spots (hyperpigmentation), skin tone evenness and radiant appearance. Changes within 6 weeks for all categories are shown in Figure 4. Creams containing phytoglycogen performed better than placebo in all categories. In images taken with VISIA CR, it was observed that skin spots and deep wrinkles decreased within 6 weeks. The effect of phytoglycogen on collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis has been proven by clinical and in-vitro tests to be very effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin spots. It represents a good option for skin care product manufacturers seeking natural source-derived, environmentally friendly raw materials.     Ayşe Kaymakoğlu Technical Sales Manager