Proteoglycan-IPC is a solution of proteoglycan extracted from nasal cartilage of salmon, a product of Ichimaru Pharcos, Japan. Proteoglycans are glycoproteins that have a core protein with one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains such as chondroitin sulcate and dermatan sulfate. Proteoglycans are widely distributed in human body parts including skin as a major component of extracellular matrix together with hyaluronic acid and collagen. It has a molecular weight of about 450,000.

A method to extract a large amount of high-purity proteoglycan from salmon nasal cartilage was established through a joint research project with Hirosaki University, Department of Biochemistry and Kakuhiro Corporation. Eighty pieces of salmon produce 1 kilogram of Proteoglycan-IPC.

Background:

Epidermal Growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth. EGF decreases with aging, causing slower metabolism and the decline of cell regenerative capability.

Ichimaru Pharcos of Japan conducted a study wherein human fibroblasts were cultivated in the presence of 0.1% salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycan (Proteoglycan-IPC) and hyaluronic acid content was examined. The result clarified that Proteoglycan-IPC increases the accumulation of hyaluronic acid in human fibroblasts. EGF has been reported to promote the synthesis and deposition of hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts.

Activity of Proteoglycan-IPC:

Several tests were made to establish the activity and efficacy of Proteoglycan-IPC.

• EGF-like activity
• Promotion of Hyaluronic Acid production
• Promotion of Collagen type 1 production
• Improvement of rough skin
• Wrinkle reduction
• Improvement of skin elasticity
• Moisturizing effect
• Whitening effect

Application:

• Skin care: anti-aging creams, serums, gels, and lotions; moisturizing creams, gels, and lotions

Japanese Brands with Proteoglycan-IPC:

DHC Quick Film Smoother

Target: anti-aging gel cream

Claim: Proteoglycan is more effective than hyaluronic acid.

Dr. Ci Lab. Super Moisture Gel

Target: anti-aging/moisturzing gel

Claim: Proteoglycan’s efficacy is the same as EGF and support for skin reborn.

Saisyunkan Cream

Target: Super anti-aging cream

Claim: Cream 20 incorporates a “very precious ingredient” – Proteoglycan.