Valensa International has introduced a new Microencapsulated USPlus saw palmetto lipid extract which allows manufacturers to deliver the testosterone and prostate health benefits of saw palmetto extract in wider applications, according to the company. Using a microencapsulation process, Valensa offers a “virtually tasteless” powder form, maintaining the necessary high profile of fatty acids to deliver the health benefits desired by consumers, said Valensa’s CEO Umasudhan C.P. (Uma).
 
“This is the first-ever water-soluble saw palmetto extract in a powder that does not have the typical strong, pungent flavor,” said Uma, who has 20 years in the business studying and commercializing natural-sourced ingredients from botanicals and microalgae. “This is a breakthrough in convenient dosage form options to expand applications for an effective product supporting prostate (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia-BPH), urinary tract (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms), and testosterone health, and even supporting healthy hair follicles (via inhibition of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme). The potential delivery applications include beverages, bars, stick packs, gummies, or chewable tablets.”
 
According to Stephen Hill, a Valensa scientist and vice president of quality and product development, an estimated three-quarter teaspoon of the Microencapsulated USPlus saw palmetto extract powder would meet the daily recommended dose of saw palmetto extract to promote prostate health. Brands can go for optimal dose per serving based on application and intended benefits. “This dose in a concentrated, flavor-neutral powder is a tremendous advancement in product innovation and with numerous product applications,” Hill said.
 
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) palms are native to Florida and produce berries, from which oil can be extracted when the berries ripen. In the right dosage of 320 mg, a standardized saw palmetto extract supports prostate health and helps alleviate symptoms related to BPH, including urinary issues and promoting better night time sleep, Valensa said. USPlus saw palmetto lipid extract also has been tested for inhibition on 5α-reductase, the enzyme which catalyzes conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
 
The power of saw palmetto lies in the oil extract from ripened berries, which provide a specific ratio of fatty acids that cannot be imitated. Twenty-seven studies, including 15 randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies, have successful clinical results with saw palmetto extract, according to Valensa.
 
Valensa begins with a sustainable, wild-craft harvest of ripened berries. After drying, the berries go through a patented supercritical CO2 extraction process to produce a pure, solvent-free oil. “The vertical integration of Valensa’s supply chain, from raw material supply thru processing and manufacture of finished product is critical for consumers to know, so they can avoid buying adulterated imitations labeled as saw palmetto,” Uma said. 
 
“Powder from green berries are not effective, and taste terrible,” Uma said. “Unfortunately, some marketers promote products masquerading as the real deal. But, Valensa continues to educate the market and consumers about the benefits of saw palmetto extract, and how to recognize a quality product.”