The ingredient provides a matrix of bioavailable hyaluronic acid (HA, 10%), depolymerized chondoitin sulphate (20%) and collagen type II (60%).
HA is a glucosaminoglycan extracellular matrix constituent which occurs naturally in the human body up until the age of 30, after which levels start to decrease. This decrease is understood to play a large role in the aging process. Hence, it is often used as an ingredient in both joint and skin health formulations.
Degradation of HA is thought to be the work of an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
The study, commissioned by AIBMR Life Sciences, showed that Biocell Collagen II inhibits hyaluronidase by between 250 and 4,000 micrograms/milliliter in vitro - up to 88 percent - depending on the concentration.
Alex Schauss, director of natural and medicinal products research at AIBMR said: "This finding provides in vitro evidence that BioCell Collagen II's naturally ocurring combination of collagen and HA may promote skin health via enhancement of elasticity, possibly resulting in a reduction in wrinkles."
What is more, HA is understood to promote the proliferation of fibroplasts, an important source of collagen. Collagen is known to help aid skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
"This research further supports scientific findings supporting BioCell Collagen II with HA as an effective ingredient essential to maintaining skin health and keeping skin younger looking longer," said BioCell Technology's vice president of marketing, Asma Ishaq.
"The findings from this in vitro bioassay strengthens BioCell Collagen II's marketplace position as a leading ingredient in the quest to boost skin health and prevent aging naturally."
BioCell Collagen II is already used in a range of dietary supplement products around the world. Although small at present, the market for oral supplements to boost external appearance is growing fast. Its size and growth is not yet measured by the major market researchers, but the sector had its first dedicated trade show, Inside Beauty, last September as part of Health and Beauty America.