The foltene active principles
The following exclusive and patented active principles, recognised internationally, are fruit of the research activity conducted by Foltene Laboratories:
Discovered in 1966 by the Crinos (Foltene's mother company) research group while carrying out tolerability tests on an active ingredient for arteriosclerosis: during testing, the researchers discovered that one of the components present had trichogenic activity (growth of hair). Further extensive testing led to the definition and identification of the substance, a particular mixture of natural mucopolysaccharides, which was given the name of Tricosaccaride®. The composition, method of extraction and purification of this active ingredient are exclusive of Foltene Laboratories S.p.A. Because of its complexity, Tricosaccaride® is prepared, tested and controlled following the same methods used for pharmaceutical products.
Mucopolysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans are normal components of the organism and in particular of the connective tissue. Even though the importance of their presence in the hair follicle is not completely clear, the fact remains that the greater the activity of the follicle in the Anagen phase (growth), the greater the quantity of mucopolysaccharides, while in the Catagen (resting) and Telogen phase (fall) their quantity tends to decrease significantly. The quantitative fluctuations found in the various phases of hair growth can only be strictly related to trichogenesis itself which, as demonstrated by numerous trials, is greatly stimulated by mucopolysaccharides.
To better understand the action of Tricosaccaride®, it is important to know the function that mucopolysaccharides have in the organism: mucopolysaccharides improve blood circulation, reduce the concentration of lipids in the blood and protect vessels. Substantially, this means an improvement in the condition of blood circulation and consequently an overall improvement in celllular and tissue trophism. Clinical trials conducted have shown that mucopolysaccharides are active also when applied topically to the scalp. We can therefore say that Tricosaccaride®, composed essentially of mucopolysaccharides, positively influences local blood circulation at the level of the scalp, improves cellular and tissue exchange thus bringing a greater amount of nutritive elements to the hair, while at the same time removing waste products normally produced in the hair follicle.
The activity of Tricosaccaride® has been extensively demonstrated by numerous clinical trials carried out in Italy and in other countries: starting from 1980, 37 clinical trials have been conducted on a total of 1297 subjects, by means of instrumental evaluation (trichogram, phototrichogram, pull test) clinical as well as subjective patient evaluation. Results of these tests have confirmed that Tricosaccaride®: improves the condition of the hair follicle, promotes hair growth (it increases the number of hairs in the Anagen phase) and prevents hair fall (reduces the number of hairs in the Telogen phase).
NO SIDE EFFECTS
Tricosaccaride® does not penetrate the tissues surrounding the follicle and
is proven to have no side effects: its action takes place only at the level of
the hair follicle and the surface skin layer (see
photo)
During the nineties, Foltène Laboratories began another research study aimed at identifying a new active principle of vegetal origin for the cure of alopecia, in alternative to Tricosaccaride®.
In 2001 the new active ingredient called Tricalgoxyl® is patented. Tricalgoxyl® is a mixture of polysaccharides belonging to the Kelp Sulphated Olygosaccharide family, extracted from different types of brown algae (Fucus Vesiculosus and Ascophyllum Nodosum) grown and collected offshore the Isle of Ouessant (Bretagne - France). In 1989 this area was classified a UNESCO Natural Reserve.
The extraction and purification process adopted to obtain the active substance from these algae is done following very strict local environmental regulations in force, that assure extremely high levels of activity and tolerability to Tricalgoxyl®. Thanks to its particular characteristics, Tricalgoxyl® is today the active ingredient of the Foltène Laboratories Special for Women product line.
Results of clinical trials based both on instrumental and subjective evaluations have proven that Tricalgoxyl® restores the normal life cycle of the hair:
- Increases the number of hairs in the Anagen (growth) phase
- Decreases the number of hairs in the Telogen (falling) phase
- Increases the length and resistance of the hair
The photograph shows
a cross section of the hair follicle and the surrounding
tissues after Tricosaccaride® application.
Tricosaccaride® was marked with a fluorescent
dye and the photograph shows that penetration occurred
only
on the surface of the skin and inside the hair follicle
(coloured area), not in the surrounding tissues (black
area).
