This elastin does not contain any raw pig-derived materials.
Our manufacturing processes were strictly controlled to ensure that the raw pig-derived materials were not contaminated.
Point 1.
What is Elastin?
"Elastin", a protein for beauty and health!
Elastin is a protein that is abundantly distributed in tissues, such as skin, blood vessels and ligaments, to provide the required elasticity. Elastin is a common ingredient in beauty products that is used to keep the skin firm; elastin also plays a key role in supporting collagen.
Point 2.
How is elastin different from Collagen?
Collagen is similar to steel, and Elastin is similar to a spring！
Collagen is a rigid protein that strengthens tissues. However, collagen is not completely effective on its own in maintaining tissue elasticity and firmness, requiring elastin as well. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix, followed by elastin. The collagen and elastic levels in the extracellular matrix decrease with age, causing the skin to wrinkle and sag.
Point 3.
Fish-based Bonito Elastin Peptide
Safe and Natural Materials!
Sufficient quantities of elastin, as with collagen, cannot be ingested in through diet alone. We therefore searched for a method of industrially producing elastin and discovered that bulbus arterioles of skipjack are rich in elastin, which led to their commercialization. We continue to conduct research on a daily basis on using elastin in health foods.
Data on Bonito Elastin Peptide
Manufacturing Elastin (Halal Certification)
The Bonito Elastin Peptide is sold by Hayashikane Sangyo as a functional Halal-certified raw material.
Halal Policy
In order to contribute to the healthy lives of those who need halal products, we provide safe and secure items based on the guidance of certification organizations.
Halal of raw materials
Hayashikane Elastin is a fish-derived elastin that does not contain any raw animal-derived materials.
Halal of the manufacturing plant
Bonito Elastin Peptide is manufactured on a dedicated line at a functional food plant with no cross-contamination by haram.
(There is no possibility of cross contamination with pork products.)
About Elastin
Elastin is a major component of elastic fibers and an insoluble protein that is widely distributed in the connective tissues of vertebrate.
Elastin is abundantly distributed in vivo in tissues where elasticity are required, such as the arterial wall, ligament, lungs, and skin1）.Elastin accounts for more than 50% of the total dry weight of the aorta and nuchal ligaments.
Elastin is involved in elasticity as well as regulating cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and differentiation, among other functions2）.
Characteristics of the amino acid composition of elastin
Elastin is an insoluble protein comprising more than 800 amino acids. The amino acid composition of elastin slightly varies with the animal species and location in the organism. Elastin is broadly characterized by3）.
A high nonpolar amino acid (glycine, proline, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine) content, especially glycine.
A high proline content, accounting for approximately 10% of the total.
Containing little or no hydroxyproline, unlike collagen.
Containing desmosine and isodesmosine, amino acids found only in elastin.
Desmosine and isodesmosine are amino acids involved in the cross-linking structure formed from the lysine residues in the elastin precursor, tropoelastin, during elastin biosynthesis.Thus, desmosine and isodesmosine are indicators of elastin, given their lack of presence in other proteins, such as collagen4）.
Desmosine and isodesmosine are only found in elastin
Other characteristics of elastin distinguish it from collagen, such as the fact that it contains very little hydroxyproline
Skin and Elastin
The skin consists of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue externally to internally, with elastin present between the collagen in the dermis layer, creating a continuous network from the basement membrane to the subcutaneous tissue.
Collagen accounts for more than 70% of the fibrous component of the dermis, whereas elastin comprises 2–4%. These trace amounts of elastin provide elasticity to the skin through ensuring stretchability and helping to maintain skin firmness.
The elastin in the dermis constantly expands, contracts, and relaxes. The elasticity of elastin decreases with age; this change is a factor in the development of sagging skin and wrinkles.
The degeneration and deposition of elastic fibers (elastin) due to years of UV exposure cause inelastic, hardened, and photoaged skin4）.
Elastin is high in young people but decreases with age.
When elastin is reduced, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, causing it to droop. Along with collagen, We need elastin.
Relationship between blood vessels and elastin
The arteries (blood vessels) consist of three layers: the intima, tunica media, and adventitia, with blood flowing through the inner membrane.
The aorta is constantly subjected to blood pressure from the heart; here, the elasticity and elasticity of the elastic fibers composed of elastin are particularly important. More elastin is present in the aorta than in any other connective tissues for this reason, accounting for nearly 50% of the dry weight.
However, the elastin content in the aorta decreases with age, as do desmosine and isodesmosine levels5）.
Diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which progress with age, also degenerate the structure of the elastic fibers (elastin) in the body. Abnormalities in elastin genetic information may be involved in various vascular lesions, which may reduce elastic function6）.
Elastin plays an important role in vascular elasticity.
Aging decreases the elastin levels in the blood vessels and likely plays a role in vascular diseases.
Relationship between ligaments and elastin
Ligaments connect bones to form joints, being involved in stabilizing joints and limiting their range of movement.
Ligaments need to be elastic and therefore contain elastin. Ligaments are mostly tissues (dense parallel fibrous connective tissues) composed of collagen fibers (predominantly collagen) and elastic fibers (predominantly elastin).
The decline in ligament function with aging can lead to poor joint stability and bending, which cause knee pain and issues with joint mobility. Ligament damage due to sports and accidents leads to reduced mobility and chronic joint damage.
(by Associate Professor Keiichi Miyamoto, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University)
Ligaments are important for stabilizing and bending joints, such as the knee.
Ligaments contain elastin, which is involved in joint stabilization. Aging and damage to ligaments are some of the causes of knee pain.
References
1）Leather Research Institute; 21: 109-127（1975）
2）化粧品事典、丸膳（2003）
3）Comp. Biochem. Physiol., 64B, 313-327（1979）
4）J. Chromatogr., 507, 51-57（1990）
5）Tohoku J. Exp. Mwd., 180, 115-130（1996）
6）弾性線維、共立出版（1992）
Raw materials of elastin
"Bonito Elastin Peptide" is produced from the bulbus arteriosus (BA) of skipjack, a tissue unique to the fish. Only a few grams of this raw material is extracted from each skipjack.
BA are the arterial trunks that pass through the heart and ventricles to the blood vessels and are highly elastic. BA of skipjack are consumed in Japan and are considered safe raw materials.
BA are partially developed sections of the aortic wall. BA are rich in elastin and contain spongy structures, which constantly expand and contract with blood flow from the heart, helping to regulate blood pressure in the gill capillaries that are close to the heart and maintain blood flow7）.
Elastica Vangieson (EVG) staining stains elastic fibers (elastin) blue-purple and BA almost entirely blue-purple. Therefore, the BA were determined to be the best source of elastin. However, fish skin is rich in collagen fibers and is colored red with EVG staining, indicating collagen.
The bulbus arteriosus of skipjack are the best source of elastin.
Fish skin is not a suitable source of elastin. Hayashikane's years of research helped him to understand this.
Amino acid composition of Bonito Elastin Peptide
The amino acid composition of the BEP, produced from elastin-rich BA, is consistent with that of fish elastin reported in previous studies.
In particular, elastin can be distinguished from collagen because of containing the amino acids desmosine and isodesmosine, which are specific to elastin, and the low hydroxyproline content8）.
Comparison of amino acid composition of BEP, fish-derived elastin, and collagen
(content per 1,000 residues of amino acids)
References
3）Comp. Biochem. Physiol.,64B, 313-327（1979）
7）魚類生理学講座、ミドリ書房（1968）
8）Fish. Sci.,72 1322-1324（2006）
9）J. Biol. Chem.,235, 995-998（1960）
Efficacy on human skin
Efficacy on Human Skin
Methods
The effects of BEP supplementation on the skin were evaluated in healthy Japanese men and women aged between 30 and 50 years1）. This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study. The elastin group received 75 mg of BEP per day as the active ingredient, whereas the placebo group received tablets without the active ingredient. The study period was 12 weeks, with a BEP consumption period of 8 weeks and no BEP for 4 weeks, during which skin elasticity, skin water content and skin blood flow were assessed. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to obtain information on the actual user experience.
Results
The skin return was selected as an indicator for comparing skin elasticity, which indicated an increase in elasticity in the right cheek of the elastin group after eight weeks of administration than in the control group (Fig.1).
Figure 1: Return rate (right cheek) (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
The skin moisture content, as an indicator of skin moisture retention, was compared between the groups. The skin moisture content of the right cheek in the elastin group was considerably higher after 4 weeks of intake than in the control group（Fig.2）.
Figure 2: Moisture content (right cheek) (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
The skin blood flow was determined using the speckle blood flow assay. The skin blood flow was markedly higher in the right cheek in the elastin group than in the control group from 8 to 12 weeks (including 4 weeks of no intake) (Fig. 3).
Figure 3: Blood flow (right cheek) (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
A questionnaire was administered to the participants to collect information on skin-related concerns and on items be related to blood flow and elastin. The average score for each item was calculated and compared after 4, 8, and 12 weeks (with the latter including 4 weeks of no intake) for each group. The elastin group reported noticing effects on “wrinkles and sagging of the neck,” “sagging around the eyes and mouth,” “general skin flakiness,” and “nail shine and firmness” during the intake period and on “facial blood color” and “skin tone (brightness)” after 4 weeks of no intake (Fig. 4).
Figure 4: Questionnaire survey (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
Summary
The oral consumption of BEP by the elastin group resulted in considerable increases in skin elasticity, water content, and blood flow in the right cheek compared with those of the placebo group. The participants reported a positive experience with skin elasticity and dryness compared to the placebo group in their responses to the administered questionnaire. These results suggest that BEP can be used to maintain healthy skin without sagging when orally administered.
References
1）J・JSMUFF, 14(5): 269-283 (2021)
Efficacy on human Blood vessels
Effects of Elastin on Human Blood Vessels
Methods
The effects of BEP supplementation on blood vessels were evaluated in healthy Japanese men and women aged between 40 and 64 years1）. The screening criteria were those whose pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of vascular elasticity within the reference range for their age group and sex. This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, comparative study. The elastin group received 75 mg of BEP per day as the active ingredient, whereas the placebo group received tablets without the active ingredient. The study duration was 16 weeks, comprising five observation days before as well as 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after administration, to assess flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and PWV. Questionnaire was also administered to obtain information on the actual user experience. Statistical analysis was performed on all cases and stratified analysis was conducted by pre-intake PWV divided into low within-reference and high within-reference groups.
Results
The vasodilation rates were compared using the FMD as an indicator of vascular endothelial function. The FMD tended to be higher in the elastin group than in the placebo group after 12 weeks of BEP consumption in the all-case analysis (Fig. 1). The results of stratified analysis showed that within- or between-group differences were not significant in either group for those with low PWV. However, the FMD substantially increased in the elastin group compared with that in the placebo group after 12 weeks of BEP intake for those in the high-PWV group (Fig. 1).
Figure 1: FMD rate of change (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
The PWV was used as a measure of vascular elasticity; the PWV was considerably lower in the elastin group than the placebo group after 16 weeks of BEP intake in the all-case analysis (Fig. 2). The results of stratified analysis showed that the within-group or between-group differences were not significant in either group for those with low PWV. In contrast, the PWV was considerably lower in the elastin group than in the placebo group for those with a high PWV after 4, 8, and 16 weeks of BEP intake (Fig. 2).
Figure 2: PWV rate of change (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
A questionnaire was administered to the participants regarding vascular suppleness and blood flow, and the mean score for each item was calculated and compared after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks for each group. The results of all-case analysis comparing the elastin and placebo groups indicated substantial improvements in the elastin group compared with the placebo group regarding “cold hands and feet,” “back pain,” “tiredness,” “eye fatigue,” “irritability,” “forgetfulness,” and “feeling unwell” during the BEP intake period. The elastin and placebo groups among those with high within-range PWV were compared in a stratified analysis. The “back pain, fatigue, eye fatigue,” and “memory loss” were significantly lower in the elastin than in the placebo groups, with the differences being more significant than those in the all-case analysis. Conversely, the placebo group did not report the same improvements as the elastin group in either the overall or the stratified analysis (Fig. 3).
Questionnaire survey
Figure3: Questionnaire survey (Relative to 100% before ingestion)
Summary
The effects on the oral consumption of BEP on human blood vessels were examined. A trend toward improvement in FMD (flow-dependent vasodilatory response) was observed in all-case analysis, and significant improvement was observed in those with high levels within the PWV criteria, indicating an improvement in vascular endothelial function. Significant improvement in PWV was also observed in all-case analysis and in those with high within-limit PWV, indicating that the consumption of BEP increased vascular elasticity, with stronger effects on FMD and PWV in those with a higher PWV within the reference range. The survey respondents in the high-PWV group experienced more “back pain,” “tiredness,” “eye fatigue,” and “forgetfulness” than the other groups. Complaints, such as “back pain,” “tiredness,” and “memory loss” were associated with PWV2）, 3）, 4）, and our results showed that orally taking 75 mg of BEP per day improved vascular status.
Supplementary Information
FMD (flow mediated vasodilation)
The FMD test involves compressing the arm to stop bleeding and can be used for evaluating vascular endothelial function. The diameter of the blood vessels before and after hemostasis is measured using ultrasound to calculate the rate of vasodilation, which involves vasodilating substances (nitric oxide (NO)) produced by the vascular endothelium. The vasodilation rate decreases with decreasing vascular endothelial function5）
PWV（Pulse Wave Velocity）
The PWV test is used to evaluate the stiffness of blood vessels based on the speed at which heartbeats (pulse waves) are transmitted. The PWV test is applied to detect arteriosclerosis in the early stages, before symptoms appear, and in physical examinations5）.The walls of supple blood vessels absorb the pulse waves and the pulse wave velocity slows; however, stiff blood vessels cannot absorb the pulse wave, resulting in an increase in the pulse wave velocity6）.
References
1）J・JSMUFF, 11(2): 97-108 (2017)
2）総合検診 32巻 第6号 493-499 (2005)
3）中部整災誌 49巻 第3号 585-586 (2006)
4）日本老年医学会雑誌 46巻 第5号 409-411 (2009)
5）人間ドック30巻 第5号 809-821 (2016）
6）日本内科学会雑誌 102巻 第2号 335-343 (2013)
Ligament cell activating action
Elastin Ligament Cell Activation
(Joint Research with Associate Professor Keiichi Miyamoto, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University)
Objectives and Methods
Elastin is a major insoluble protein of elastic fibers that is widely distributed in various tissues that require elasticity in vivo, such as the aorta, ligament, skin, and lungs. Elastin is crucial in the mechanical and physiological functions of knee ligaments. The elastin in skin and blood vessels deteriorates with age; similarly, the elastin in ligaments may decline in function and quantity over time, leading to the development of knee pain. Therefore, substances that activate the cells in the cruciate ligament of the knee may help strengthen the ligament and prevent damage.
We cultured fibroblasts derived from human anterior cruciate ligament of the knee and examined the effects of treatment with BEP and absorbed peptide (Pro-Gly※)on cell proliferation and the mRNA expressions levels of elastin as well as type I and type III collagen.
※An absorbed peptide (Pro-Gly) is a peptide absorbed through the oral intake of BEP.
Results
The treatment of BEP and Pro-Gly concentration-dependently increased ligament cell proliferation and the mRNA expression levels of elastin as well as type I and type III collagen (Fig.7). This result suggested that treatment of BEP and absorbed peptide (Pro-Gly) strengthened ligaments by activating ligament cells. Furthermore, the results of ALP activity assays confirmed that BEP and Pro-Gly treatment inhibited osteoblast-like differentiation, suggesting the inhibition of ligament ossification.
cell proliferation
Promotes elastin expression
Type I collagen expression
Type III collagen expression
Inhibition of osteoblast-like differentiation (by measuring ALP activity)
Reduction of knee pain by simultaneous glucosamine intake
Reduction in knee pain via simultaneous elastin and glucosamine intake
Objectives and Methods
BEP activates the fibroblasts derived from the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and may strengthen knee ligaments. Ligaments are involved in knee stabilization; knee pain may develop owing to knee instability caused by weak ligaments.
Therefore, we tested the effects of supplementing with elastin alone and combining elastin and glucosamine on knee pain reduction. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of elastin and elastin plus glucosamine supplementation on knee pain reduction in 21 Japanese men and women (7 in each group) aged 45–75 years.
The elastin group was administered 75 mg of BEP per day and the elastin plus glucosamine group received 75 mg of BEP and 1,000 mg of glucosamine per day. The supplements were consumed for 12 weeks and the effects on knee pain reduction were evaluated through physical sensory tests using the knee pain questionnaire (JKOM), a physical activity survey, and a daily logbook.
Results
The group treated with 75 mg of BEP alone reported pain reductions at 12 weeks on the JKOM (Fig. 8); those in the group taking both 75 mg of BEP and 1,000 mg of glucosamine reported a larger reduction in knee pain, confirming the synergistic effect of the combined intake of elastin and glucosamine in reducing knee pain.
The number of steps taken daily decreased in the 12th week (August) because the study was conducted during the summer (June to August) due to the avoidance of the hot weather according to the physical activity survey that was based on the number of steps taken (Fig. 9). However, those taking both elastin and glucosamine reported an increase in the number of steps taken.
Participants in the elastin alone and elastin + glucosamine groups reported improved quality of life in their logbook (Fig. 10) compared to the pre-intake and placebo groups. In particular, the elastin-alone group reported improvements in “squatting and standing up” and “going up and down stairs,” indicating an effect on pain during knee flexion and extension movements.
Our results showed that the consumption of 75 mg of BEP alone reduced perceived knee pain, and a synergistic perceived effect on knee pain reduction was observed with the combined intake of 75 mg of BEP + 1,000 mg of glucosamine.
Figure 8: Results of Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM)
Figure 9: Physical activity survey (number of steps)Group comparison: unpaired t test (vs placebo) *：p＜0.05、#：P＜0.1
Figure 10: Experiential survey using logbooks (Week 12)
References
10）HTAKADA:Health Evaluation and Promotion, 29(5): 855-861 (2002)
The Bonito Elastin Peptide is sold by Hayashikane Sangyo as a functional Halal-certified raw material.
The skin consists of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue externally to internally, with elastin present between the collagen in the dermis layer, creating a continuous network from the basement membrane to the subcutaneous tissue.
The arteries (blood vessels) consist of three layers: the intima, tunica media, and adventitia, with blood flowing through the inner membrane.
Ligaments connect bones to form joints, being involved in stabilizing joints and limiting their range of movement.
"Bonito Elastin Peptide" is produced from the bulbus arteriosus (BA) of skipjack, a tissue unique to the fish. Only a few grams of this raw material is extracted from each skipjack.
