DUAFE shea butter, unprocessed, offers a high content of all the essential fatty acids, compatible with our sebum, and phytosterols contained in this extraordinary cosmetic and medicinal product:
Fatty acids -> Unsaturated -> Monounsaturated
Oleopalmitic acid
It is one of the most common Omega-7 fats and many studies have shown that it is a very healthy fat for our health. It supports the heart and normal cholesterol levels, supports skin health, reduces inflammation and swelling.
Oleic acid
It occurs naturally in fats (it is the main component of olive oil and cod liver oil), from which it is extracted and used in industry. It prevents heart disease and lowers cholesterol levels. It is also believed to prevent the development of cancer, but there is no conclusive scientific evidence for this yet. It has a use as an anti-inflammatory substance that stimulates wound healing. Oleic acid helps to repair skin, even skin with damage such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Oleic acid also contains compounds that strengthen the integrity of cell membranes.
Fatty acids -> Unsaturated -> Polyunsaturated
They are an essential part of human metabolism (they are a group of so-called F-vitamins, otherwise known as exogenous or essential fatty acids), as we need them to form important compounds (e.g. prostaglandins), and they are not synthesised by our organisms (only plants and some animals can synthesise them)
Linoleic acid
An organic chemical compound from the group of unsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 type. Linoleic acid is classified as an exogenous fatty acid, i.e. it is an essential component of the diet, as it is not synthesised by the body (it belongs to the vitamin F group).
α-linolenic acid (ALA)
An omega-3 fatty acid, it is an essential component of the diet as it is not synthesised by the body (it belongs to the vitamin F group).
γ-linolenic acid (GLA)
A fatty acid from the omega-6 group, it is a precursor of prostaglandin PGE1, a hormonally active arachidonic acid derivative endowed with numerous biological functions. A lack of GLA causes the skin to become dry and lose its elasticity, greatly accelerating the formation of wrinkles. This deficiency causes the skin’s natural resistance to harmful external factors to disappear and wounds and cracks in the epidermis to heal more difficult. Studies have shown that GLA applied directly to the skin not only has a rejuvenating effect, but is also effective in the prevention and treatment of various abnormalities, e.g. dry, red, irritated and itchy skin, eczema, allergic eczema, acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis and some cases of psoriasis. Improve blood flow in blood vessels as a result of exerting an anti-aggregation effect on platelets and lowering blood viscosity.
Arachidonic acid
This acid is an important component of human food (unsaturated fatty acids are known as vitamin F). Arachidonic acid is part of the phospholipids of cell membranes and is also used as a precursor for the synthesis of eicosanoids (prostanoids and leukotrienes), biologically important compounds. Arachidonic acid, for example, produces prostaglandins, which, among other things, regulate vasoconstriction and are involved in inflammatory reactions, and leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammatory and allergic reactions.
Fatty acids -> Saturated
Myristic acid
In industry, it is mainly used as an emulsifier and surfactant. It is used in cosmetic products to impart stability and avoid separation of oil- and water-based product components. It thickens the emulsion and improves its stability. It is used as a base in cleansing products. Myristic acid reduces skin inflammation and nociception (acute pain sensation).
Lauric acid
An organic chemical compound that supports the immune system. Also found in human, cow and goat milk.
Stearic acid
A versatile fatty acid that acts as an emollient, emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. It has been shown to protect the skin’s surface from water loss and help strengthen the skin barrier. Stearic acid is also found in make-up preparations. In cosmetic formulations, it softens and smooths the surface of the skin while helping to maintain the protective barrier. It occurs naturally as an ester with glycerine in animal fats, and to a lesser extent in vegetable fats.
Palmitoleic acid
Supports skin health; has anti-inflammatory effects and potentially supports metabolic health. Palmitic acid helps to smooth the skin, so it is found in many soaps. In addition, a popular ingredient, beeswax, often found in body care products, also contains palmitic acid. In cosmetics, palmitic acid can be found in make-up products, which are used to hide imperfections such as pimples and blackheads.
Phytosterols
Organic chemical compounds belonging to the steroids. A very large proportion of the hormones that have a regulatory function are sterols. Common plant sterols have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, inhibit allergic and immunological processes, and prevent the development of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatism and lupus. In addition, they help with inflammatory processes, reducing the level of pain experienced. Plant sterols improve the function of the immune system. Phytosterols have anticoagulant properties. High doses of phytosterols have an oestrogenic effect, thus reducing the symptoms of menopause in women, i.e. hot flashes or excessive sweating. In addition, plant sterols inhibit the production of free radicals, an excess of which accelerates the ageing of the body and is the cause of many diseases. Numerous studies have shown that the consumption of phytosterols improves mood, protecting against depression, especially in autumn and winter. In addition, they increase physical performance, so they are recommended for people who take part in sports and physical work.
Campesterol
Believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. It has been found to inhibit the development of arthritis caused by cartilage degradation. As a steroid, it is a precursor to the anabolic steroid boldenone. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine to induce growth in cattle, but is also one of the most commonly used anabolic steroids in sport. Animal studies have shown that campesterol and other phytosterols can reduce the effects of atherosclerosis. However, adequate laboratory studies have not yet been conducted to prove the multiple benefits, such as the reduction of atherosclerosis symptoms, heart disease.
Stigmasterol
Is a precursor of progesterone, a valuable hormone that plays an important physiological role in estrogen-related tissue regulation and restoration mechanisms. It also acts as an intermediate compound in the biosynthesis of androgens, estrogens and corticosteroids. It is also used as a precursor to vitamin D3. Upjohn uses stigmasterol as a starting material for the production of crude cortisone. Studies have shown that it may be useful in the prevention of certain cancers, including ovarian, breast, prostate or colon cancer. Laboratory animal studies have shown that in six weeks of testing, stigmasterol, reduced cholesterol absorption by 23% and sitosterol by 30%. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit cartilage degeneration caused by osteoarthritis. It is also a powerful antioxidant, has antihypoglycaemic (hypoglycaemic) properties and regulates thyroid function.
β-sitosterol
Lowers blood cholesterol levels and is sometimes used to treat hypercholesterolaemia. When consumed, it inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines because the structure of β-sitosterol is very similar to that of cholesterol. β-sitosterol therefore replaces dietary cholesterol and results in less cholesterol absorption in the body, lowers LDL (so-called bad cholesterol) and total serum cholesterol levels. Studies show that β-sitosterol, in combination with sabal palm fruit extract, has a thankful effect on hair loss in men. In Europe, β-sitosterol is used in herbal therapies, especially for benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate).
α-spinosterol
Participates in various biological processes. In mouse tests, it has been shown to be effective in regulating antioxidant activity and as an anti-inflammatory element. Spinasterol increases cellular resistance to oxidative processes. The results suggest that spinasterol has therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases, which are caused by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Carboxylic acids
Cinnamic acid
It is used in cosmetics and medicine as an antimicrobial agent. Cinnamic acid and its derivatives containing ester or carboxyl groups are used as essential ingredients in aromatic substances, perfumes, the manufacture of synthetic indigo and pharmaceuticals. Cinnamic acid can act as an optical filter or deactivate molecules that have been excited by light to protect polymers and organic substances. In cosmetics, cinnamonates are used as sunscreen agents to protect the skin against UV-A and UV-B radiation.