SuperCool™ Palmetto was developed by utilizing Aphios' patented SuperFluids™ fractionation and manufacturing technologies. Saw palmetto as a dietary supplement most commonly consists of a hexane or ethanolic and, more recently, supercritical fluid extracts of the berries of the American Dwarf Palm Tree (Serenoa repens) located in Florida.
Scientists at Aphios utilized the inhibition of testosterone metabolism to dihydro-testosterone by 5-alpha reductase to identify bioactive fractions. Inhibition of this enzyme, 5-alpha reductase, correlates positively with prostate function and hair follicle health. As such, the inhibition of this enzyme may result in healthy prostate function as well as healthy hair follicles.
Phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol and stigmastanol) content of these fractions were measured by gas chromatography. The highest level of bioactivity, as measured by 5-alpha reductase inhibition, was found in the bioactive fractions that had the highest phytosterol content. Phytosterols are thus used as secondary standard for SuperCool™ Palmetto.
