Sabinsa extends patent portfolio to 66 with new selenium forms
The patent, Sabinsa’s 66th, will expand the application of selenium, said the company.
US patent # 8,003,614 describes the how the new ingredients posses enhanced solubility and dissolution in water, and enhanced bioavailability.
In addition, the patent states: “The novel synthetic method produces isomeric peptides of L-selenomethionine or Se-Methyl-L-selenocysteine that exhibit […] excellent vascular endothelial growth factor promoting activity, excellent anti-5-alpha-reductase activity, capabilities to prevent/reduce ‘hair fall’ and promote "hair growth", thereby maintaining a perfect homeostasis for ‘hair care’.”
Click here to read the patent: “Dipeptides incorporating selenoamino acids with enhanced bioavailability – synthesis, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications thereof”.
The mineral
Selenium is an essential macronutrient, and is considered to be an antioxidant. High levels of selenium have been inversely associated with risk of developing several cancers, including bladder, prostate and thryroid.
The trace element occurs naturally in the soil and is absorbed by plants and crops, from where it enters the human food chain - either directly or through consumption of meat and other products from grazing animals.
The mineral is included in between 50 and 100 different proteins in the body, with multifarious roles including building heart muscles and healthy sperm. However, cancer prevention remains one of the major benefits of selenium, and it is the only mineral that qualifies for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved qualified health claim for general cancer reduction incidence.
The market
Earlier this year, Sabinsa reported a ‘very healthy 36 percent’ year on year increase in sales of its selenium ingredients.
The company offers a range of branded selenium ingredients, including SeleniumSelect, SelenoForce, Methyselene, and its newer PeptiSeLect and PeptiSelene.
