Squalene

Historical Importance

In ancient times, it was thought that squalene from the shark liver oil increases the strength and longevity in Japan. Like the ancient warriors from Japan who used to drink the soup of amaranth, even the Maoris of New Zealand were known to drink the shark liver oil before leaving for the war.

• The ancient Shoguns of Japan were the first to recognize the beneficial effects of deep sea shark liver oil. They found that it provides strength, vigour, energy, virility and overall good health and called this very rare and precious extract as “Tokubetsu no Miyage” meaning “Special Gift”.
• The Japanese fishermen of Suruga Bay in the Izu Peninsula, famous for shark fishing called this elixir as “Samedawa” meaning cure-all.
• The deep sea shark liver was also in use by the coastal people and fishermen of Micronesia and they called it miracle oil.
• The Spanish mariners called it “aciete de bacalao” or the oil of the great fish.
• The Chinese ancient pharmaceutical book Honzokomuko also contains references to the therapeutic uses of deep sea shark liver oil.

In the 1950s, squalene was first found in the human body. It was the time when the cholesterol metabolism was first identified. At that time the antioxidant function of the squalene was still unknown. Then almost after a decade, the spotlight was finally placed on the antioxidant agent found in the olives, amaranth and shark liver oil.

In 1963, an article in the scientific journal Nature revealed that the squalene stimulates the macrophages (principal immune cells in the inner and outer protective coats of the human body). In 1982 the detoxifying action of the squalene was shown in the research experiments. In 1993, its radioprotective effects were demonstrated. In 1995, a Japanese research revealed that the squalene can prevent the UV-induced oxidation of lipids in the skin. In 1996, clinical trial in humans was performed to find its effectiveness in reducing the blood cholesterol. The result of these trials and subsequent studies found that dietary squalene:

• Exhibit superior antioxidant properties
• Increase the efficiency of the immune system
• Inhibit cancer growth
• Enhance the anti-tumour action of chemotherapeutic agents
• Lower the blood cholesterol

Importance & Significance to Human Health

More than just as a superior antioxidant, squalene has great significance for the human health. It is a unique product that has rich past and has great future as preventive and integrative medicine.

Immune Booster

The benefit of squalene as an immune booster was popularized by Hans Nieper who was a physician and physicist. His research revealed that the squalene aids in the conversion of field energy into photon energy. He noticed that those taking the squalene oil warm up and have improved blood circulation in extreme conditions.

Squalene contains isoprenoid structures which can attach to cell membranes. It has major antioxidant and detoxification properties. It is found to show a immense potential as an immune-support nutrient.

Squalene contains alkylgylcerols that are known to fight against viruses, colds and infections. It can also ease arthritis, psoriasis and asthma. The macrophages present in Squalene oil stimulate the healing of wounds. Squalene has also been associated with the enhancement of immunity when used in some of the vaccines.

Cancer

In a research Squalene is found to retard the growth of blood vessels in cancerous tumor. These effects are found in certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate and colon cancer. Some cancer patients prefer to take Squalene alone or along with chemotherapy. It is also believed that it has the ability to protect cells and decrease some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Squalene is thought to be contributing factor for reducing the risk for several cancers. In research it is observed that squalene is capable to suppress the growth of tumor cells.

Squalene for Skin Health

Squalene is a natural moisturizer and it occurs as a main constituent of nasal sebum. Several studies show that squalene consumption provides protection to skin and keeps it healthy and smooth against wrinkles. It feeds and guards significant processes in the skin cells. The unsaturated fatty acids present in squalene regulate the moisture of the skin. Almost 10 percent of human skin surface is made of squalene.

Squalene is naturally synthesized during cholesterol formation in body. It is extensively spread in human tissues. However its main concentrations are in the oil secreted by sebaceous glands and skin that offer a protective wall to the skin surface. Squalene assists to maintain moisture of the skin by lubricating the skin surface.

Squalene can also deactivate the singlet oxygen which is free radical which is produced by exposure to the UV radiations of sun. Squalene can absorb and bind fat-soluble toxins and thus helps to emit them from the body. All these functions in the maintenance of skin health make squalene an exceptional nutritional support product.

Squalene has following benefits for our skin:

• Squalene influences the skin positively by promoting an optimal intestinal flora and healthy digestion.
• It interrupts anti-oxidants free radicals in the skin
• It promotes better nourishment and blood circulation of the skin
• It revitalizes the skin and brings the skin layers in balance.
• It improves the elasticity of skin and moisture balance of the skin
• It forms a noticeable development of the skin structure
• It protects skin partially from the sun rays including UV-rays.

Because of the all above reasons squalene is used widely in the cosmetic industry.

Sources of Squalene

The best source of squalene is the liver of the deep-sea shark. The liver of deep sea shark contains 50% – 70% squalene. Deep-sea sharks live about 900 m under the sea where sunlight and oxygen are almost negligible. Squalene is stored in the bodies of these sharks, which lack a swim bladder and therefore reduce their body density with fats and oils.

Vegetable sources of squalene are olive oil and amaranth. The olive tree has an origin in countries around the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Olive oil has only 0.4 – 0.8 % of Squalene concentration. The extra virgin oil contains about 200 – 450 mg squalene per 100g oil. During the process of production from olive oil, Squalene can be distilled to a concentration of nearly 99%. Amaranth herb is as rich in squalene and as popular in India as the olive tree in the Mediterranean basin.

Usages

Health as well as imbalance of our body has its origin on the cellular level. A wide range of squalene’s core properties influence this level. Therefore, it finds a wide application and research studies found that dietary Squalene has:

• Superior Anti-oxidant properties – powerful Anti-oxidant
• A unique oxygen generation properties – Oxygen generator
• Increases the body defence mechanisim – good immune response
• Anti-cancer growth properties
• Anti-tumour action of chemotherapeutic agents
• Lowers blood cholesterol level of LDL (bad cholesterol) – fat regulator

Chemical Properties

Deep sea sharks live about 900 m under the sea where sunlight and oxygen are almost negligible. Squalene is stored in the bodies of these sharks, which lack a swim bladder and therefore reduce their body density with fats and oils. Squalene, which is stored mainly in the shark’s liver, is lighter than water with a specific gravity of 0.855. The ability of this species to withstand high pressure at this depth and to survive is due to squalene. Squalene abstracts oxygen from the water present in the body and releases it to the cells for physiological activities and also to provide strength and stamina.

The ability of deep sea shark to withstand high pressure at this depth and to survive is due to squalene. Squalene abstracts oxygen from the Water present in the body and releases it to the cells for physiological activities andalso to provide strength and stamina.

The richest amount of squalene is in the shark, Centrophorus moluccensis (synonym. Centrophorus scalpratus) abundantly occurring in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the seas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Gopakumar (1997) has reported that the liver oil of this species contained 70 per cent of squalene by weight. Extra virgin olive oil contains about 200-450 mg g-1 of squalene (Kelly, 1999).

Extensive methodology for purification, estimation and industrial applications of squalene extracted from C. scalpratus has been reported (Gopakumar & Thankappan, 1986; Thankappan & Gopakumar, 1991). Characteristics of squalene are given in Table 1.

The richest amount of squalene is in the shark, abundantly occurring in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the seas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. the liver oil of this species contained 70 percent of squalene by weight. Extra virgin olive oil contains about 200-450 mg g-1 of squalene

Squalene is present upto 85% by weight of liver in deep sea sharks. Among the plant sources, squalene is present in Amaranthus seed oil (6-8%), olive oil (up to 0.7% by weight), palm oil (0.1 to 2%, depending on species and method of extraction), rice bran oil and wheat germ (Liu et al., 1976; Deprez et al., 1990; Sun et al., 1997; Newmark, 1997).

Squalene extracted commercially from olive oil is marketed as vegetable squalene having purity of around 97.5% while squalene from shark liver oil can be processed up to 99.9% purity.

Squalene Effect on Immune Systems

Squalene is found to show an immense potential as an immune-support nutrient. The benefit of squalene as an immune booster was popularized by Hans Nieper who was a physician and physicist. His research revealed that the squalene aids in the conversion of field energy into photon energy. He noticed that those taking the squalene oil warm up and have improved blood circulation in extreme conditions.

Squalene contains isoprenoid structures which can attach to cell membranes. It has major antioxidant and detoxification properties. Squalene contains alkylglycerols that are known to fight against viruses, colds and infections. It can also ease arthritis, psoriasis and asthma. Swedish biochemist Sven Brohult revealed that the alkylglycerols support the formation of white corpuscles, which are primarily responsible for the function of immune system.

The macrophages present in Squalene oil stimulate the healing of wounds. Experimental studies show that squalene supplemented diets can result in increased performance of the immune system. It is also found that the biomembrane of immune cells is protected against the oxidative stress by the squalene during phagocytosis.

Squalene as Anti-Ageing Agent

Everyone desires smooth and radiant skin. What you intake can help you to bring you closer to your desire. Many skin care experts have emphasized on the effects of squalene on the skin. Squalene is naturally occurring substance in the body which is found in olive oil and in the liver of sharks. Many of the skin products contain squalene due to its numerous benefits for the skin. The major benefit of squalene for skin health is its anti-ageing effect. However squalene is produced naturally in the body, but the production of this substance gets retarded drastically in your 30s which results in wrinkled skin. Use of squalene supplements can help to prevent fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Squalene also has anti-bacterial properties that reduce the risk of acne, peeling or other conditions that can contribute to the ageing of the skin. Squalene causes a barrier between the skin and the environment so that the skin can remain moisturized and young looking. Squalene contains antioxidants that provide your skin extra protection against the skin-damaging free radicals which are the result of exposure to the sun. Several studies show that squalene penetrates extreme deeply in the skin which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It fights ageing also by protecting the skin from free radicals and UV rays that destroy skin cells and damage the natural collagen of skin.

There are some of the major benefits of squalene that makes it a best anti-ageing substance:

• Squalene regenerates skin growth thus the skin remains healthy and smooth free from wrinkles and age spots.
• Squalene interrupts free radicals and inhibits them from entering the body by protecting skin from environmental triggers that cause premature ageing.
• Squalene enhances the moisture balance and elasticity to maintain the youngness of skin.
• Squalene keeps you away from the conditions like acne, allergies, eczema, scars and psoriasis, which can contribute to premature ageing.
• Squalene promotes improved blood circulation which helps to rejuvenate skin tone.
• Squalene prevents the condition of obesity by acting as a fat regulator and reducing cholesterol levels. Thus by preventing obesity, it delays ageing because according to a study obesity accelerates the ageing process more than smoking.
• Squalene acts as a stress buster thus it prevents premature ageing as stress is one of the major causes of early ageing.

Thus, the people who use squalene supplements are able to keep their skin young and flawless without any fine lines or wrinkles.

Squalene and Skin Care

Squalene is a natural moisturizer and it occurs as a main constituent of nasal sebum. Several studies show that squalene consumption provides protection to skin and keeps it healthy and smooth against wrinkles. It feeds and guards significant processes in the skin cells. The unsaturated fatty acids present in squalene regulate the moisture of the skin. Almost 10 percent of human skin surface is made of squalene.

Squalene is naturally synthesized during cholesterol formation in body. It is extensively spread in human tissues. However its main concentrations are in the oil secreted by sebaceous glands and skin that offer a protective wall to the skin surface. Squalene assists to maintain moisture of the skin by lubricating the skin surface.

Squalene can also deactivate the singlet oxygen which is free radical which is produced by exposure to the UV radiations of sun. Squalene can absorb and bind fat-soluble toxins and thus helps to emit them from the body. All these functions in the maintenance of skin health make squalene an exceptional nutritional support product.

Squalene has following benefits for our skin:

• Squalene influences the skin positively by promoting an optimal intestinal flora and healthy digestion.
• It interrupts anti-oxidants free radicals in the skin
• It promotes better nourishment and blood circulation of the skin
• It revitalizes the skin and brings the skin layers in balance.
• It improves the elasticity of skin and moisture balance of the skin
• It forms a noticeable development of the skin structure
• It protects skin partially from the sun rays including UV-rays.

Because of the all above reasons squalene is used widely in the cosmetic industry.

Squalene and Cancer

Various research suggests that the squalene may assist in preventing cancer and can fight the established tumour. Squalene is a powerful antioxidant and its cytoprotective effects are very significant. It is thought to be contributing factor in reducing the risk of several cancers. In research, it is observed that squalene is capable to suppress the growth of tumour cells.

In a research, Squalene is found to retard the growth of blood vessels in a cancerous tumour. These effects are found in certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate and colon cancer. Some cancer patients prefer to take Squalene alone or along with chemotherapy. It is also believed that it has the ability to protect cells and decrease some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

After extensive research, squalene has been shown to:

• Prevent the development of certain cancers
• Prevent the carcinogenic agents from inducing cancer
• Protect cells from the effects of radiation
• Act directly against the cancer tumour activity
• Optimize the activity of chemotherapeutic agents

Side effects

There are no side effects or reactions, reported, noted or documented in the use of Squalene as a dietary supplement.

People who experience fish allergies may avoid taking squalene.

Who Should Take?

Squalene can help enhance the quality of life, due to its anti-oxidant, immune boosting, and oxygen generation properties and can prevent serious diseases or can be very useful for patients suffering from several diseases like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and hepatitis.

Squalene can help regulate blood cholesterol levels in particular to those who suffer from high cholesterol levels and one who eat a lot of fatty foods.

Squalene can be taken as a general health tonic for hard working people.

Squalene supplements have been widely tested for toxicity and there is considerable proof that squalene is non-toxic and has wide range of benefits as:

• Re-establishes the auto-immune system
• Supports growth of blood cells
• Works as strong anti-oxidant and scavenger of free radicals
• Leads to extra natural energy and vitality
• Protects and cleans cells and tissues and keep them healthy
• Provides a good prostate function
• Helps to recover from stiff and painful muscles
• Provides elastic and healthy joints
• Protects the body during aging
• Strengthens the immune system and support the natural immune defence
• Provide a healthy skin: more elastic, less wrinkles
• Improved control of allergies, eczema and psoriasis
• Reduces formation of scar tissues
• Reduces harmful LDL-cholesterol
• Improves the body’s energy by providing the blood cells with oxygen
• Works as an effective antibiotic
• Protects against common cold and influenza
• Reduces gastric disorder and indigestion
• Improves the blood circulation
• Helps to control chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, rheumatism and arthritis
• Improves the memory and the concentration
• Helps to control the growth of several forms of cancer or helps prevent them
• Helps to excrete several toxins from the body

Production

After the evolutionary development of millions of years, the liver of the deep sea shark appears the richest source of naturally occurring Squalene. Shark liver oil comprises of nearly 60-85 % of this organic matter. Olive oil has only 0.4 –0.8 % of Squalene concentration. During the process of production from olive oil, Squalene can be distilled to a concentration of nearly 99%.

As sharks plants like olives and the fruit of the oil palm also contains Squalene although in a less quantity. The olive tree has origin in countries round the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In the old times the olive fruits were not only used for oil and food but were also applied as perfume and lamp oil.

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