Sterols are vital components of all eukaryotic cells. In higher plants, they play a structural role in cell viability, embryogenesis, cell division, chloroplast biogenesis, modulation of activity and distribution of membranebound proteins, etc. Cholesterol is normally a minor compound (1% to 5%) in the vegetable kingdom.
Our biotechnology centre identified a specific strain, Nannochloropsis Oceanica, isolated in Norway featuring an outstanding high cholesterol content with more than 70% of the total sterol fraction. This Nannochloropsis Oceanica microalgae is the very first substantial source of cholesterol from the vegetable world while having a strong ability to accumulate high levels of Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA).
Based on this particular species, Natura-Tec developed a new active, Natura-Tec Marine OceanMist CL, which plays a major role in repairing and boosting barrier function. This liposoluble active is extremely rich in omega 3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and phytocholesterol. EPA is a long chain poly unsaturated fatty acid particularly remarkable in its ability to protect the skin barrier and fighting inflammation while the action of cholesterol is essential to rebuild the fundamental extracellular lamellar matrix.