When we say that some foods are healthy, we mean that their ingredients individually or synergistically have a beneficial effect on our body. Nowadays, those ingredients that can be isolated and used in the fight against numerous disorders or diseases are an increasingly common subject of scientific research. Ferulic acid is a phytonutrient, a compound derived from plants, which has shown exceptional antioxidant properties. It is the key phenolic acid in the cell walls of monocotyledons. We can find it in bran, oats, rice, sweet corn, tomatoes, aubergine, citrus fruits and apple seeds. It is produced in plants as a result of the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine; research has shown that it exhibits a whole series of beneficial effects in diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and even cancer.
It has these properties thanks to its strong antioxidant effect. This strong membrane antioxidant successfully destroys free radicals and prevents lipid peroxidation – a metabolic process that causes oxidative deterioration of lipids within the cell membrane and thus damages the cell, eventually causing cell death. Phenols are normally widely represented in plant species and as such are part of the daily diet. They have a wide range of effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiallergic, hepatoprotective, antithrombotic, antiviral, vasodilatory and anticancer. Phenolic compounds exhibit a range of activities, from heavy metal chelation, destruction of free radicals, to modulation of enzyme activity and gene expression, among others. Over the past ten years, these properties have prompted extensive research into their role in the prevention of the most serious diseases.
What lies at the root of many diseases is inflammation, chronic or acute, which is facilitated by activated inflammatory or immune cells. Ferulic acid has been proven to reduce the level of certain mediators of inflammation, for example prostaglandins, which is why it has a great potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The antioxidant properties of ferulic acid have proven to be exceptional in controlling glucose levels and reducing oxidative stress in the pancreas, which is vital for diabetics, and also in protecting the liver by reducing even the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Research has established that this nutrient has a wide spectrum of action against cancers, including colon cancer. It even has the power to reduce the damage that tobacco smoke does to the lungs. What scientists are particularly interested in today is the exceptional influence of ferulic acid on atherosclerosis and heart muscle regeneration.
FERULIC ACID AND ANTI-AGE EFFECT
What makes this phytonutrient really stand out is its effect on the skin and prevention of premature aging. Today we know that the harmful effect of UV rays is one of the biggest culprits for premature skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles, depigmentation and spots. Oxidative stress due to high exposure to sunlight has a particularly negative effect on keratinocytes, the most numerous cells in the epidermis, and fibroblasts, connective tissue cells. Research has shown that endothelial cells and keratinocytes are significantly less susceptible to the effects of harmful radicals due to UV radiation when they are protected with ferulic acid before exposure. It prevents changes in the cell cycle and DNA damage, and acts as a strong protection against skin cancer.
Ferulic acid shows exceptional healing properties. It accelerates epithelization, promotes wound healing, accelerates the synthesis of amino acids that participate in healing and prevents lipid peroxidation.
Ferulic acid successfully eliminates signs of aging, especially photoaging, improves skin hydration and reduces erythema (redness). It has the additional property of improving the chemical stability of vitamins C and E, by which it has been proven to double the photoprotective effect. That is why this phytonutrient is especially valuable in cosmetology and aesthetic dermatology. Its use in cosmetics was initially as a stabilizer, but only later research and observations revealed its exceptional antioxidant properties that strengthen intercellular defence mechanisms. Ferulic acid protects all the main structures of the skin, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen and elastin, and at the same time inhibits the main enzyme of melanogenesis – tyrosinase, which produces the pigment melanin, which is why it is used in formulations to prevent skin redness. It has a brightening effect, among other things, because it absorbs UV rays.
In addition to all these characteristics, it is good to know that ferulic acid has the power to penetrate deep into the skin, regulate its pH and actively participate in its metabolism. This is why it is a valuable ingredient in cosmetic procedures such as mesotherapy and chemical peels. Bearing in mind its photoprotective effect, it has been proven to improve the effect of SPF creams by as much as 37 percent.
ANTIOXIDANT IN A BOTTLE
Thanks to detailed research into all the scientific evidence about this phenol, Herba Svet experts had a good reason to include it in a special serum: Anti-Ox Serum C.E. FERULIC H.A. This serum combines all top quality ingredients and proven best fighters against oxidative stress. In addition to vitamin C in a stable form, vitamin E and ferulic acid, this high-quality serum also contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, as well as ginkgo biloba and grape seed extracts. The combination of flavonoids, ginkgolides, tannins and vitamins efficiently neutralizes free radicals and strengthens the skin’s immunity, prevents the negative effects of both UV radiation and harmful substances from the air, which is increasingly polluted today, and at the same time contributes to the reduction of wrinkles and strengthens the skin.
With Anti-Ox serum, the skin becomes brighter and firmer, and the complexion is more uniform and cleaner. One drop of this serum in the morning and evening is enough to achieve visible changes and effective protection. Like all other products from the exclusive Devi cosmetic collection, the Anti-Ox serum is completely natural, hypoallergenic, pH balanced, suitable even for the most sensitive skin, and as it comes in vacuum packaging, its contents are safe from contamination.
