Squalene
Squalene is a polyunsaturated triterpenoid compound with the formula C30H50 present as biochemical precursor in sterol biosynthesis, including cholesterol and steroid hormones in various organisms.[1] Squalene has multiple biological activities, which makes it a potential new functional food ingredient for nutrition enhancement or disease prevention.[2] Due to its six non-conjugated double bonds in structure, squalene enhances immune function, resists skin senility, and has hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, and detoxification effects. Squalene has been known for its various applications, such as an anti-cancer agent, an anti-oxidant agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a chemopreventive agent, an anti-aging agent, a detoxifier, and an adjuvant for drug carriers and vaccines.[3]
The skin naturally produces vitamin E, a lipophilic antioxidant present in normal human sebum, to prevent squalene oxidation. Vitamin E production is directly correlated to the amount of squalene. In individuals with acne, low levels of vitamin E contribute to increased levels of oxidized squalene.[4][5]
- ↑ Micera, M., Botto, A., Geddo, F., Antoniotti, S., Bertea, C. M., Levi, R., ... & Querio, G. (2020). Squalene: More than a step toward sterols. Antioxidants, 9(8), 688. PMID: 32748847 PMC7464659 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080688
- ↑ Du X, Ma X, Gao Y. (2024). The physiological function of squalene and its application prospects in animal husbandry. Front Vet Sci. 16;10:1284500. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1284500. PMID: 38292136; PMC10824843.
- ↑ Gohil, N., Bhattacharjee, G., Khambhati, K., Braddick, D., & Singh, V. (2019). Engineering strategies in microorganisms for the enhanced production of squalene: advances, challenges and opportunities. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 7, 50. PMID: 30968019 PMC6439483 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00050
- ↑ Trompezinski S, Weber S, Cadars B, Larue F, Ardiet N, Chavagnac-Bonneville M, Sayag M, Jourdan E (2016) Assessment of a new biological complex efficacy on dysseborrhea, inflammation, and Propionibacterium acnes proliferation. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 9:233–239. PMID: 27621660 PMC5012630 DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S110655
- ↑ Xi, L. X., Lin, Z. S., & Jun, C. W. (2013). Comparative study on anti-aging effect of squalene and vitamin E to skin. Sci. Technol. Food Ind. Technol. Food Ind, 34, 91-93.
