Nutraceutical ingredient provider Vidya has obtained a US patent for its men's health-focused saw palmetto extract, Vi-Spo.
The clinically validated ingredient is standardised to 3% beta-sitosterol, and is claimed to be up to 10 times more potent than coventional saw palmetto extracts.
It works by providing symptom relief and addressing hormonal imbalance — a root cause of prostate discomfort.
The patent was awarded on the grounds that ViSpo offers a different mechanism of action to standard saw palmetto ingredients, as it is able to reduce prostate size and regulate key sex hormones.
According to Vidya, this differing mechanism of action has not been seen when using any other saw palmetto oil, making it stand out in the crowded market.
“Standard saw palmetto extracts often lack the precision and potency needed for reliable prostate support,” said Aleksander Richards, R&D Director at Vidya.
“With Vi-Spo, we’ve developed a patented composition that delivers its effects through a clearly defined mechanism of action, which sets it apart from generic saw palmetto extracts," he added.
Vi-Spo has also been proven to function as a nutricosmetic, as well as a women's health ingredient, with research suggesting that it can benefit the hair and urinary wellness.
The nutraceutical is created using Vidya's Supercritical CO2 extraction technology, which gently concentrates lipophilic actives while preserving their bioactivity.