The four-year effort of Czech scientists has paid off. A group of researchers discovered a way to successfully isolate triterpenes from natural sources such as apple peels, rosemary marigolds or shark liver. The aim of the project is to use triterpenes for medicinal purposes. Already on the market are H2 Slim&Fit or H2 Immunity drink products with molecular hydrogen that contain modified triterpenes.
A new approach in treatment: successful isolation
Triterpenes are natural organic compounds found in many plants, marine organisms and fungi. Squalene, one of the derivatives of triterpenes, is found in vegetable oils, shark liver, and even in the human body - it is one of the components of sebum. Triterpenes are the basis for many essential oils, resins, and even some plant pigments. They have a wide range of biological and medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer and hepatoprotective effects.
"Yet their use is severely limited by the difficulty in chemically isolating these compounds from natural sources. And also the need for physical modification to induce the desired pharmacological effect," explains Milan Krajíček, head of research and development at K2pharm.
And it is on the search for the most suitable natural sources of triterpenes, the development of isolation methods that meet the prerequisites for their use in the production of suitable dosage forms that the research team has focused. The team of scientists involved in the project included representatives of the Research Institute of Organic Syntheses, Hradec Králové University Hospital and K2pharm.
During four years of research, they succeeded in developing stable dosage forms of triterpenes with high biological activity, which was confirmed by a small clinical test. "The result of the project brought a completely new approach in the use of triterpenes with positive effects in many medical applications," added Petr Konvalinka, Chairman of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR).
One of the main findings of the project is that triterpenes have positive effects on the human body, aiding better digestion, natural blood circulation, maintaining blood pressure and boosting immunity.
Improving human health and potential in the industry
Triterpenes have a wide range of applications, whether in the food or pharmaceutical industry. "In addition, our newly developed products have been proven to reduce the risk of insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome," says Zdeněk Zadák, head of the research team at the University Hospital Hradec Králové. In addition, scientists have discovered that triterpenes protect DNA in sperm. The triterpenes consist of six isoprene units. Especially important is squalene, which is used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
"The importance of squalene as a molecule with a metabolic and protective effect against DNA damage in sperm and lymphocytes is particularly relevant in industrially developed countries where there is increased exposure to chemicals, xenobiotics of various kinds and ionising radiation, for example in medical diagnostics," Zadák explains.
Scientists warn that although triterpenes are available in some products on the market, their stability and bioavailability have not yet been addressed. Therefore, they have focused on finding suitable natural sources of triterpenes and developing isolation methods that meet the requirements for producing effective dosage forms.
The TA CR-supported project demonstrates new possibilities for the use of triterpenes to improve human health and suggests the potential of triterpenes in various industries, including the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Revolutionary hydrogen products
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in the isolation of medicinal triterpenes from natural sources, opening up new possibilities in the field of healthy lifestyle and wellness. This innovation has led to the development of the revolutionary H2 Fit&Slim and H2 Immunity Drink products, which already use these isolated substances to promote health and vitality.
"Triterpenes block the absorption of carbohydrates, which are then used by the microbiota in the colon to produce molecular hydrogen. The hydrogen produced penetrates the whole body, slowly escaping freely, but the main route of elimination is the lungs, which is why it can be measured very well in the breath," explains Milan Krajíček.
H2 Fit&Slim is a specially formulated dietary supplement that aims to support weight loss and improve metabolic health. This product combines the benefits of triterpenes with other natural ingredients to support effective weight management while enhancing overall well-being.
On the other hand, H2 Immunity Drink is a hydration solution that is enriched with medicinal triterpenes, providing not only refreshment but also immune support and improving the overall vitality of the body. This drink is ideal for those looking for a natural way to boost their energy and support their health without the use of synthetic additives.
Both H2 Fit&Slim and H2 Immunity Drink are examples of how modern science and innovation can be used to create solutions that support a healthy lifestyle and help people feel better. Using medicinal triterpenes isolated from natural sources, these products offer an effective and safe way to achieve health and wellness goals.
"The molecular hydrogen that is produced by our microbiota has very strong antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and is closest to the gut and the liver, so hepatoprotective effects have been demonstrated. And not only in chronic alcohol drinkers, but many drugs are toxic to our liver. Next to the liver are the kidneys, and so many clinical trials have shown a protective effect on the kidneys as well. By being secreted by the lungs, hydrogen also has a protective effect on the epithelium of the respiratory tract, which is especially useful nowadays not only for the flu but also for post-convulsive flu. Our tests have also shown a slight reduction in blood pressure and relief of chest pain associated with cardiovascular disease," concludes pharmacist Krajicek.
