THE GLYCEROPHOSPHOINOSITOL SALT OF CHOLINE (GPI Choline) AS A DERMATO-COSMETIC ALTERNATIVE TO LOCAL TREATMENT WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS

Material preparation: Beata Nowak

Medical consultant: Joanna Nowak, MD – dermatologist

 

GPI cholines from sunflowers are innovative active ingredients, lecithin derivatives, semi-synthetic derivatives of glycerophosphoinositol that is the natural cell ingredient produced during lipid metabolism. As an innovative active plant origin ingredient it supports the physiological physiologic control system; controlling the release of lipid acids responsible for the inflammatory process, and having a soothing effect, reducing the skin redness and irritation. It is worth stressing, that they are a subject to a broad, international patent, both in relation to the particles and their application in cosmetology and dermatological products.

Their action after skin application is the reverse feedback of inhibition of cytosolic phospholipases A2 (cPLA2) – that is the enzyme involved in inflammatory reaction and the main inducer of excretion of arachidonic acid. GPI thus prevents the inflammatory cascade reaction, as it forms a part of physiological self-control system.

At the early stages of inflammatory reaction the action of preparations containing the GPI cholines is at the same level as that of corticosteroids; they are also much safer, as they are selectively targeted and have no side effects typical for corticosteroid preparations, e.g. they do not disturb the hormonal balance of the body. They are recommended in inflammatory conditions as anti-itching agent, in atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and different types of skin redness.

Scientific research has shown specific application of GPI cholines in soothing or even reducing the UVB-induced erythema by up to 60%. The UVB-induced erythema causes rapid and chronic damage of skin, i.e. photoagining, or neoplasm formation, that are caused by prolonged and frequent exposition of skin to sunlight. The erythema and inflammatory conditions are characterized by lowered hydro-lipid barrier in the stratum corneum of skin which may induce the absorption of GPI to deeper layers of epidermis.

Vast clinical research documentation, from studies conducted in cooperation with leading Universities and Dermatology Centers showed the efficacy of this compound in treatment of all types of skin disorders, with no side effects that are usually connected with use of topically administered corticosteroids.

Different research shows that the preparation made on the basis of GPI results in a soothing effect comparable to pharmaceutical preparations utilizing weaker corticosteroids. Still, those preparations have no side effects, which makes them advisable in supporting therapy of chronic dermatitis. They additionally shorten the time required for topical corticosteroid treatment, which is of utmost important when treating skin disorders, especially in children.

Compiled on the basis of:

  • Corda D, Zizza P, Varone A, Bruzik KS, Mariggiò S (2012); The glycerophosphoinositols and their cellular functions; Biochem Soc Trans 40(1) 101-107
  • Bio-Basic Europe (2003); In vitro evaluation of the irritation and antiinflammatory potential of a topical cosmeceutic active; Safety report (IRB on file)
  • Dal Toso R, Melandri F, Copetti S (2012); Sali di glicerofosfoinositolo. Un’alternativa cosmetica ai cortisonici topici.

 

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