Japan’s ALMADO debuts eggshell membrane-containing FFC targeting sleep, skin and muscle mass
Founded in 2000, the company has been actively developing and producing cosmetic products focusing on eggshell membrane, a biomaterial that is said to be increasingly gaining attention for its nutritional and pharmacological applications, including wound healing.
On October 16 this year, ALMADO released its first FFC under its skin care brand CELLULA.
Named CELLULA FALCO Active Supplement, the product not only contains eggshell membrane, but also gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is known to improve mood and quality of sleep.
“GABA regulates the autonomic nervous system, temporarily relieving mental stress and fatigue, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and improving quality of sleep. It promotes deep sleep, which helps you wake up feeling refreshed and lifts your mood.
“Additionally, it has been reported to have other functions, including stimulating collagen and elastin production to preserve skin elasticity and support healthy skin, especially for those who are concerned about dry skin. It also helps maintain muscle mass that decreases with age, enabling middle-aged and elderly users to feel more energetic,” the firm said.
Over the years, ALMADO has delved into research on eggshell membrane, with a paper based on its joint study with Teikyo University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology recently published in scientific journal Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports.
The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of eggshell membrane on pulmonary fibrosis by inducing Decorin (DCN) expression and suppressing pulmonary fibrosis signalling.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease whereby the lungs become scarred over time, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath. It can also lead to complications, including respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, pneumothorax, and lung cancer.
Notably, the results showed that eggshell membrane supplementation for up to 22 weeks significantly improved respiratory function, vital capacity (VC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC).
VC is typically used to determine diaphragmatic function, while FEV1/FVC is a test for diagnosing or monitoring lung conditions.
“It is likely that the ingestion of eggshell membrane alters the mechanical properties of the lung interstitium (tissue around air sacs in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed), and improves respiratory function. This indicates the possible therapeutic use of eggshell membrane targeting lung health,” the authors wrote.
In addition, after eight weeks of eggshell membrane supplementation, study participants demonstrated significantly increased rates of change in skin elasticity in the arm and zigzag walking speed, compared to the control group.
“ALMADO is one of the first [companies] to recognise the potential health and beauty benefits of eggshell membrane. We will use the results of this study to conduct further research on the material, and to continue developing and launching a variety of cosmetics, supplements, and other products that utilise it,” the firm added.
