Squalene, a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon compound, was discovered by Japanese doctor Dr. Tjuimoto in 1905 and is primarily found in deep-sea shark liver oil. It is almost absent in the liver oil of other fish species, and only humans and sharks produce identical squalene.
Widely distributed in the human body's inner membrane, including the skin, subcutaneous fat, liver, nails, and brain, squalene supports these organs and is utilized in dietary supplements, cosmetics, skincare, and pharmaceutical applications.
Benefits and Applications
Skin Protection: Squalene provides protection against UV radiation, with oral supplementation enhancing collagen activity and skin appearance in women over 50. It is also commonly used in skincare products as topical squalane.
Potent Antioxidant Effects: Acting as a powerful antioxidant, squalene regulates glucose and triglyceride levels and reduces oxidative damage associated with conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Improved Mitochondrial Function: Squalene supports mitochondrial health, crucial for overall well-being, by enhancing liver mitochondrial function during aging and minimizing age-related disorders associated with reactive oxygen species.
Potential Cancer Prevention: Promising research indicates that squalene may inhibit cancer growth, enhance tumor therapy results, and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in killing cancer cells, offering potential preventive and treatment-enhancing benefits.
Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease: Squalene's ability to increase fat metabolism may aid in treating fatty liver disease, a condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, with potential implications for disease reversal.
Reference：
[1] Huang, Zih-Rou et al. “Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 14,1 540-54. 23 Jan. 2009
[2] Chaves, Tricia. “What is Squalane?” ThoughtCo, Aug. 22, 2019
[3] Du, Xin et al. “The physiological function of squalene and its application prospects in animal husbandry.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1284500. 16 Jan. 2024
