A recent study found that Dermaval (from FutureCeuticals, Inc.) acutely inhibit glucose-induced human neutrophil elastase (HNE) activity. (Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. Dec. 2013; 2014(6)1-7). HNE is an enzyme that contributes to the degradation of elastin, a key structural protein responsible for the elasticity of the skin and other connective tissues.

The crossover clinical study was performed to assess the effects of Dermaval on glucose-induced HNE activity in 20 healthy participants. Each participant served as their own control during the three-day trial. Day one consisted of fasting and consuming only 300 milliliters of water. Blood was drawn before treatment, then 60 and 120 minutes after treatment. On day two, participants fasted then treated with 75 grams of glucose, then tested as they were on day one. On day three, participants consumed 50 milligrams of Dermaval followed by 75 grams of glucose 15 minutes later. HNE concentration and HNE activity were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Average values for HNE activity did not change on day one (control group). Day two's single dose of glucose increase blood HNE activity by 175 percent over baseline levels during the first 60 minutes. Pretreatment with Dermaval on day three prevented the glucose-induced increase of HNE activity. Dermaval did not affect glucose absorption.

Dermaval is a patent-pending, all-natural combination of fruit and vegetable concentrates and will be marketed as a clinically-backed ingredient in the healthy aging and beauty-from-within categories. FutureCeuticals, Inc. is a voting member of the Council for Responsible Nutrition and supporter of the American Botanical Council.