Squalene (CAS: 7683-64-9) is a colorless oily liquid that turns viscous upon oxidation. It serves as a crucial unsaturated triterpenoid compound composed of six isoprenes connected, acting as a key intermediate in the human body's cholesterol metabolism pathway. With potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, squalene plays a significant role in various biological processes, offering bioactive effects that contribute to health and well-being.
Bioactive Effects of Squalene
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Improving Hypoxia Tolerance: Ingestion of squalene has shown to enhance hypoxia tolerance, prolonging survival time under conditions of normal pressure hypoxia and sodium nitrite poisoning in experiments on mice. Squalene is recognized for its functional role in hypoxia-resistant health foods.
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Moisturizing and Antioxidant for Skin Health: Squalene provides multiple benefits for skin health, including protection from UV radiation and antioxidant properties. It improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles and pores, and moisturizes the skin without causing irritation. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing facial wrinkles and improving skin conditions, making it a sought-after ingredient in cosmetic products.
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Medical Beauty Industry Application: Plant-based squalene, particularly derived from olive oil, is widely used in cosmetics. Its effectiveness in moisturizers, impact on skin irritation, and metabolic and inflammatory responses to UV rays have been extensively studied. Olive oil squalene is chosen in the cosmetic industry due to its botanical origin and ethical considerations, avoiding the harvesting of protected marine species.
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Inflammatory Response of Squalene Photooxidation Products: Research explores the metabolism and inflammatory response of human keratinocytes under solar ultraviolet (UVA+UVB) irradiation. Squalene photooxidation products induce unique metabolic and inflammatory responses through specific receptors. Understanding these responses provides insights into the biological impact of squalene photooxidation products under UV irradiation.
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Modulating Squalene Oxidation to Prevent Skin Diseases: Squalene oxidation can lead to various complications, and understanding its oxidation mechanism is crucial. Analysis of squalene monohydroxyperoxide isomers reveals insights into the oxidation process, differentiating between singlet oxygen and free radical oxidation mechanisms. This knowledge forms the basis for preventing skin diseases by regulating squalene oxidation.
Squalene, with its diverse bioactive effects, proves to be a valuable compound with applications ranging from promoting hypoxia tolerance to enhancing skin health and preventing skin diseases. Its multifaceted contributions make it a subject of ongoing research and application in various industries.
