Scientific Publications Supporting the Bella Grace Elixir


The Bella Grace Elixir has three foundational ingredients that have stellar scientific support. These ingredients are:

  • VERISOL®B (bovine) Bioactive Collagen Peptides that comes from the German company GELITA
  • Astaxanthin that comes from the foundational leader for this carotenoid, AstaReal®
  • Cat’s claw – using our Trademark pending extract from Peruvian Amazonian resources, and for which Dr. Miller was the scientist who performed the seminal research on its mechanism of action, as well as conducting numerous clinical trials.


Each ingredient has a broad range of clinical trial support, and importantly the doses in the Bella Grace Elixir match what is present in the clinical trials.


Links to the studies with VERISOL®B (bovine) can be accessed here:

https://www.gelita.com/en/products/collagen-peptides/Verisol

E Proksch 1, D Segger, J Degwert, M Schunck, V Zague, S Oesser Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2014;27(1):47-55.  DOI: 10.1159/000351376

  • VERISOL® leads to significantly higher skin elasticity – up to 15 % – compared to placebo treatment. This effect could be measured after just 4 weeks of treatment and persisted after 8 weeks of oral VERISOL® administration. Another 4 weeks after the last intake of the product, VERISOL® application still showed higher skin elasticity levels than in the placebo treated group.


E Proksch 1, M Schunck, V Zague, D Segger, J Degwert, S Oesser Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9.


  • The study with more than 100 women aged between 45 and 65 years shows that the oral administration of VERISOL® (2.5 g/day) significantly reduces wrinkles after 4 weeks and leads to a significantly higher skin procollagen concentration.


Michael Schunck 1, Vivian Zague 2, Steffen Oesser 1, Ehrhardt Proksch. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food. 2015 Dec;18(12):1340-8 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0022

  • A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with 105 women aged between 25 and 50 years shows that the daily oral intake of 2.5 g VERISOL® significantly decreases the cellulite score. The effect was measured after 3 and 6 months supplementation. VERISOL® has a beneficial effect on skin extracellular matrix and restores the normal structure of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. VERISOL® supplementation also reduced the waviness of the skin, with first results visible after 3 months, but more pronounced after 6 months. With a daily dose of 2.5 g VERISOL® the appearance of cellulite women with a BMI < 25 was significantly reduced.


Doris Hexsel MD,Vivian Zague PhD,Michael Schunck PhD,Carolina Siega BSc,Fernanda O Camozzato MD,Steffen Oesser PhD Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails.  J Cosmet Dermatol.   2017;00:1–7 https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12393


  • The study shows a decrease of cracked and/or chipped nails after 2 months of treatment, reaching a decrease of 42 % after 6 months. Compared to the control group, the nail growth speed is increasing. VERISOL® led to a statistically significant improvement in nail growth after 3 months of treatment. At the same time, there’s a notable improvement in nail peeling and a clearly decreased nail edge irregularity. 80 % of the patients were completely satisfied and satisfied with VERISOL® treatment. 75 % of the women perceive their nails as longer, 71 % said their nails grew faster and became longer.

https://www.gelita.com/sites/default/files/documents/2021-03/VERISOL%20Beauty%20from%20within%202020%20%20%28WEB%29.pdf 


Links to AstaReal® publications:

https://astarealusa.com/health-benefits/antioxidant/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6raYBhB7EiwABge5Ki65OqEmeh9ISu2_nLL-vcI3aUis5n9yfXf00P2F0pqY2ewYwuAdOxoCGIsQAvD_BwE


https://www.astareal.se/benefits-of-astareal-astaxanthin/


https://astaxanthin.net/pages/articles.html


Video resources https://astaxanthin.net/pages/videos.html 


Skin Health:

  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports skin hydration 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin reduces the size of wrinkles 2, 4
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin improves skin texture 2, 4, 5
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin protects the skin’s collagen layer 2
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes smooth skin 2, 4, 5
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin enhances skin elasticity 2, 4, 5, 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin reduces skin spots 1, 2, 4
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes even skin tone [erythema/redness] 5
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin protects skin from seasonally and environmentally-induced inflammation [low humidity]6


Studies with ASTAREAL® Astaxanthin

  1. Yamashita, E. et al. FOOD STYLE 21. 2002; 6(6):112-17.                              2 mg/day
  2. Tominaga K. et al. FOOD STYLE 21. 2009; 13(10):25-9.                                6 mg/day & 0.74 mg (active)/mL cream
  3. Seki T. et al. Fragrance Journal. 2001; 12:98-103.                                        0.035 mg (active)/g cream
  4. Tominaga K. et al. Acta Biochim Pol. 2012; 59(1):43-7.                                 6 mg/day
  5. Tsukahara, H. et al. Jpn J. of Comp. and Alt. Med. 2016 ;13(2):57-62.            3 mg/day
  6. Tominaga K. et al. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2017; 61(1):33-39.                        6, 12 mg/day


Sports Performance:


  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin reduces buildup of lactic acid1, 10
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports endurance and muscle performance2,3
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports sustained energy and athletic performance2, 3
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin helps improve power output3
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports muscle recovery4, 5, 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin protect against exercise-induced muscle damage4, 5, 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes good circulation; nutrition & oxygenation of muscles7,8,9


Studies with ASTAREAL® Astaxanthin

 

  1. Sawaki et al. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 2002; 18(9)1085-100.                            6 mg/day
  2. Malmsten et al. Carotenoid Science. 2008; 13:20-2.                                                                      4 mg/day
  3. Earnest et al. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2011 Nov; 32(11):882-8.                            4 mg/day
  4. Djordjevic et al. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 2012 Aug; 52(4):382-92.        4 mg/day
  5. Baralic et al. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 2013; 27(10):1536-42.                                                 4 mg/day
  6. Baralic et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 

2015; vol. 2015, Article ID 783761.                                                                                                    4 mg/day

  1. Miyawaki et al. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition. 2008 Sep; 43(2):69-74.                      6 mg/day
  2. Saito et al., Albrecht von Graefes Archiv für klinische und experimentelle 

Ophthalmologie. 2012. Feb;250(2):239-45.                                                                                         12 mg/day

  1. Iwabayashi et al. Anti-aging Medicine. 2009; 6(4):15-21.                                                              12 mg/day
  2. Fukamauchi M. et al. FOOD STYLE 21. 2007; 11(10).                                                                    


Eye Health:

 

  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin helps to focus and re-focus strained eyes 1, 2, 3, 4 
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin relieves tired eyes [eye fatigue] 5, 6, 7, 8
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin helps alleviate eye strain 1, 3, 8
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin helps eyes resist and recover from screen time 1, 3, 7, 9
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin alleviates symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) 1, 3, 7, 9
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes good circulation and nourishment of eyes 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin alleviates oxidative stress in eyes 10, 11, 12, 13
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin helps promote visual acuity 14
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin helps enhance depth perception 15


Studies with ASTAREAL® Astaxanthin

 

  1. Nagaki N. et al. 2010. Japanese Review of Clinical Ophthalmology, 

Folia Ophthalmologica Japonica, 3(5):461-468.                                                                                9 mg/day

  1. Nitta T. et al. 2005. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines, 21(5): 79-92.                         6, 12 mg/day
  2. Nagaki Y. et al. 2002. Journal of Traditional Medicines, 19(5): 170-173.                                       5 mg/day
  3. Nagaki Y. et al. 2006. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines, 22(1): 41-54.                     6 mg/day
  4. Iwabashi M. et al. 2009. Anti-Aging Medicine, 6(4): 15-21.                                                         12 mg/day
  5. Nagaki Y. et al. 2005. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines, 21(5): 73-78.                       6 mg/day
  6. Takahashi N. et al. 2005. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines, 21(4): 43-48.                  6 mg/day
  7. Kajita M. et al. 2009. Medical Consultation & New Remedies, 46(3): 325-329.                               6 mg/day
  8. Shiratori K. et al. 2005. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines, 21(6): 65-78.                    6 mg/day
  9. Hashimoto H. et al. 2009. Atarashii Ganka (Journal of the Eye), 26 (2):229-234.                          6 mg/day
  10. Hashimoto H. et al. 2013. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 53(1): 1-7.                      6 mg/day
  11. Hashimoto H. et al. 2016 . Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 59(1): 10-15.                 6 mg/day
  12. Hashimoto H. et al. 2011. Rinsho Ganka (Jpn J Clin Ophthalmol), 65(4): 465-470.                         6 mg/day
  13. Nakamura A. et al. 2004. Rinsho Ganka (Jpn J Clin Ophthalmol) 58 (6): 1051-1054.                      4, 12 mg/day
  14. Sawaki K. et al.. 2002. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines 18(9):73-88.                        6 mg/day 


Cognitive Health:

  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes visual reaction time during visual pursuit task1
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin improves sleep quality2
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports healthy blood pressure associated with lower stroke risk and cardiovascular health2
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes resilience against mental and physical fatigue3


Studies with ASTAREAL® Astaxanthin

  1. Seya, Y. et al., (Nihon Seiri Zinruigaku Shi) Japanese Journal of Physiological 

       Anthropology. 2009;14(2):59-66.                                                                       6 mg/day

  1. Iwabayashi M et al. Anti-aging medicine. 2009 6(4):15-21.                                  12 mg/day
  2. Hongo et al. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2017 Jan; 45:61-72.            12 mg/day


Cardiovascular Health:

  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports blood flow 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports capillary blood flow 3
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports blood flow to the eye 3, 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin supports healthy blood chemistry/lipid profile (lowers TAG & increases HDL)7

Studies with ASTAREAL® Astaxanthin

  1. Miyawaki H. et al. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition. 2008 Sep;43(2):69-74.                6 mg/day
  2. Iwabayashi M., et al. Anti-aging medicine. 2009; 6(4):15-21.                                                    12 mg/day
  3. Nagaki Y., et al. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 2005;21(5):537-42.                        6 mg/day
  4. Miyawaki H. et al. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 2005;21(4): 421-9.                      6 mg/day
  5. Tsukahara H. et al. Medical consultation & new remedies. 2009;46(4):427-32.                             6 mg/day
  6. Saito M. et al. Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology.                               12mg/day         
    2012 Feb;250(2):239-45.
  7. Yoshida H. et al. Atherosclerosis. 2010 Apr;209(2):520-3.                                                         12 mg/day


General Antioxidant Claims:

  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin reduces total hydroperoxides (hydrogen peroxides, lipid peroxides, and peroxides of protein in aqueous humor; p<0.05) 1,5
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin decreases oxidation of fatty acids in healthy men (p<0.05)2
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin increases superoxide scavenging activity (p< 0.05)3,5    
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin promotes protection of thiol groups against oxidative modification (increase in -SH groups, p<0.05; improved PON1 activity towards paraoxon and diazoxon, p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively)4
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin improves promotes prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB; p<0.05) 6
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin increases blood biological antioxidant potential (BAP; +4.6%, p<0.05) 1
  • AstaReal® Astaxanthin reduces protein oxidation (-10%, p<0.05)2


Studies with ASTAREAL® Astaxanthin

  1. Hashimoto H. et al. Rinsho Ganka (Jpn J Clin Ophthalmol) 65(4): 465-470, 2011.                          6 mg/day
  2. Karppi, J. et al. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res. 77(1): 3-11, 2007.                                                         8 mg/day
  3. Hashimoto H. et al. Atarashii Ganka (Journal of the Eye) 26 (2):229-234, 2009.                            6 mg/day
  4. Baralic I. et al. Phytother. Res. 27: 1536–1542, 2013.                                                                 4 mg/day
  5. Hashimoto, H. et al. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 53(1): 1-7, 2013.                                                      6 mg/day
  6. Baralic, I. et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015: 783761.              4 mg/day
  7. Iwabayashi M. et al. Anti-Aging Medicine 6(4): 15-21, 2009.                                                        12mg/day
  8. Yamada T. et al. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 47: 130–137, 2010.                                                       12mg/day




Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis)


Mirtha Navarro 1, Elizabeth Arnaez 2, Ileana Moreira 2, Alonso Hurtado 3, Daniela Monge 4, Maria Monagas  Polyphenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Uncaria tomentosa Commercial Bark Products Antioxidants 2019, 8, 339;  DOI: 10.3390/antiox8090339


Nahid Akhtar 1, Mark Js Miller, Tariq M Haqqi Effect of a Herbal-Leucine mix on the IL-1β-induced cartilage degradation and inflammatory gene expression in human chondrocytes. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011, 11:66  DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-66

  • Preclinical research in human cartilage, taken during surgery, showing the epigenomic actions of Cat’s claw to limit cartilage (glucosamine and type II collagen) degradation and stimulating regeneration.

Mark J.S. Miller, Ross Butler Relief of osteoarthritis with a herbal-amino acid supplement: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2012, 3, 504-510 http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/abb.2012.324066 


  • Clinical trial of a cat’s claw-based supplement for the effective management of joint health in osteoarthritis. 


M J Miller 1, F M Angeles, B K Reuter, P Bobrowski, M Sandoval Dietary antioxidants protect gut epithelial cells from oxidant-induced apoptosis. BMC Complement Altern Med 2001;1:11. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-1-11

  • Free radical and oxidant induced cell death is abrogated by cat’s claw and other natural products.

 

 

Piscoya J., Rodriguez Z., Bustamante S., Miller M.J.S., Sandoval M. (2001) Efficacy and safety of freeze dried cat’s claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the specie Uncaria guianensis. Inflammation Research, 50: 442-448.  DOI: 10.1007/PL00000268

  • Clinical trial demonstrating improved joint function with cat’s claw.


M Sandoval 1, N N Okuhama, X J Zhang, L A Condezo, J Lao, F M Angeles', R A Musah, P Bobrowski, M J S Miller Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) are independent of their alkaloid content. Phytomedicine. 2002 May;9(4):325-37.  DOI: 10.1078/0944-7113-00117

  • Comparing cat’s claw actions in alkaloid rich and deplete forms of cat’s claw

Sandoval M., Charbonnet R.M., Okuhama N.N., Roberts J., Krenova Z., Trentacosti A.M., Miller M.J.S. (2000) Cat’s claw inhibits TNF production and scavenges free radicals: role in cytoprotection. Free Radical Biol. Med., 29: 71-78. DOI: 10.1016/s0891-5849(00)00327-0

  • Linking the actions of cat’s claw to suppression of oxidant driven activation of NF-kB and subsequent Th1 cytokines, specifically TNFalpha

Sandoval-Chacon M., Thompson J.H., Liu X., Mannick E.E., Sadowska-Krowicka H., Charbonnet R., Clark D.A., Miller M.J.S. (1998) Anti-inflammatory actions of cat's claw: the role of NF-B. Alimentary Pharmacol. Therap., 12: 1279-1289.  DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00424.x

  • Definitive study demonstrating the mechanism of action of Cat’s claw in chronic inflammation via epigenetic mechanisms


Miller M.J., Ahmed S., Bobrowski P., Haqqi T.M. (2006) The chrondroprotective actions of a natural product are associated with the activation of IGF-1 production by human chondrocytes despite the presence of IL-1beta. BMC Complement Altern. Med., 6:13 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-13

  • Protective effects of Cat’s claw in human cartilage through actions limiting cartilage degradation and activation of glucosamine and collagen production.



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