Yeast extract (CM-Glucan): Hype or Hope?
Glucans are natural polysaccharides comprised of D-glucopyranosyl units and are found in oat, barley, wheat, microorganisms and fungi. However, only the glucans from yeast and higher fungi are known to have immune stimulating activities. Glucan from yeast is a very potent stimulator of the immune system with the ability to activate macrophages, neutrophils and other cells that carry specific β-glucan receptors on their surface. Glucan preparations from yeast have been extensively studied in wound healing, infectiology and oncology.
A new water soluble β-(1–>3) glucan derivative has been developed, carboxymethylated glucan (CM-Glucan), which is very suitable for the stimulation of immunocompetent cells in the skin. As we all know, the skin is the body’s most important primary defense system. It consists of a physical barrier function as well as a metabolic and immunologic biochemical response system.
CM-Glucan Granulate.
CM-Glucan is a new potent biological agent for cosmetic and dermatological applications.CM-Glucan acts in a holistic way by inducing the skin’s own defense mechanisms. CM-Glucan meets the demands of today’s consumers for active and natural compounds.By its combined action as a protectant, therapeutic and film-forming agent, CM-Glucan provides tremendous skin care benefits, all of which have been documented by in-vitro and/or in-vivo studies.
Advantages of topical application of CM-Glucan:
· Protects Against UV-A Induced Oxidative Stress
· Improves Skin Firmness
· Reduces Eye Wrinkle Depth
· Promotes Cell Renewal
· Enhances Skin’s Self Protection Mechanism
· Restores Skin Function
Experiments and Studies Activities on skin cells:
1.Skin protection of CM-Glucan against detergent (SDS) challenge
The challenge with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) led to a drastic reduction in skin humidity. Skin sites pretreated with products containing CM-Glucan showed a much less pronounced decrease in skin humidity. Similar beneficial effects of CM-Glucan could also be observed for transepidermal water loss in this study.
2.Enhancement of renewal rate of stratum corneum (skin cells)
CM-Glucan was found to promote the rate of cell renewal in the skin.
3.Protection against UV-A induced oxidative stress
The protecting effects of CM-Glucan in vivo were studied by a new non-invasive technique for identifying squalene hydroperoxides. The use of only 0.04% CM-Glucan resulted in a 59% inhibition of squalene peroxidation. At 0.2%, CM- Glucan provided almost complete protection (94.9%). From these data, one can conclude that CM-Glucan protects skin lipids against oxidation very efficiently and offers additional benefits to stressed skin that antioxidants (eg. Vitamin E acetate) do not.
4.Anti-Aging Effects of CM-Glucan & Enhancement of skin firmness
The incorporation of 0.04% CM-Glucan into the same emulsion led to a statistically significant improvement of skin firmness after 28 days compared to the placebo product and untreated skin.
CM-Glucan’s Profile in Cosmetic Formulations
CM-Glucan is an entirely new approach to skin care. The ability of CM-Glucan to trigger the skin’s own defense mechanisms and to promote cell growth forms the basis of its functionality.
Prophylactic Use
Enhancement of the viability of skin cells (Immune-stimulatory activity)
Therapeutic Use
Enhancement of the regeneration of damaged skin (Wound healing properties)
Application and function of CM-Glucan in cosmetic products
Sun Care
Protection from the depletion of antioxidant molecules within the epidermis
After Sun Lotions
Regeneration of the UV stressed skin; stimulation of the viability of cells
Day Cream
Enhancement of the skin’s self-protecting capacity (reduction of UV-filters)
Body Lotion
Enhancement of the proliferation of Keratinocytes
Skin Treatment (Medical Facials)
Regeneration of damaged skin; restoring the balance of skin functions
Hope and The Future
CM-Glucan is expected to have its greatest impact in sun care products. CM-Glucan can be of tremendous value since the benefits it provides in terms of protection and stimulation of skin cells increases sunscreen performance. Although there is little dispute that commercially available sunscreen filters inhibit the development of many UV-induced alterations, like erythema, they do not necessarily offer complete protection against other biological effects of the sunlight, such as immuno-suppression.
As a result, CM-Glucan may also be an excellent protective ingredient in pre-sun type products. Used in facial creams or foundation make-up, CM-Glucan can help protect skin against the oxidative stress of day- to-day sun exposure and therefore show anti-aging properties.
CM-Glucan is also known to reduce irritations. For this reason, CM-Glucan may be of great interest to formulators working with systems containing alpha hydroxy acids or high alcohol concentrations. The use of CM-Glucan in products designed for sensitive skin is another excellent application.
Data and statistic compiled by Dr Tan WW to be presented in an easily understood manner in order to benefit the layperson.
