Phytochemical Characteristics of Belinal®
Belinal® is a patented water extract from the branches of silver fir (Abies alba), a coniferous tree native to Europe. Belinal® has a well-established monograph that describes its physicochemical properties, botanical origin, and phytochemical composition, based on macroscopic and microscopic scientific studies.
Belinal® is a premium herbal extract that contains a high concentration of bioactive polyphenols, which are natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and modulatory effects on various biological pathways. Polyphenols are widely distributed in plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and are associated with numerous health benefits.
Belinal® is a unique mixture of complex polyphenols, including lignans, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. So far, scientists have identified more than 36 different polyphenols in Belinal®. The extract consists of approximately 70% polyphenols, of which 40% are lignans and the remaining 60% are phenolic acids and flavonoids.
The typical lignans in Belinal® are lariciresinol, secoisolariciresinol, isolariciresinol, hydroxymatairesinol, pinoresinol, and matairesinol. These lignans are characteristic of Belinal® and define its quality standard. The phenolic acids in Belinal® include p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid. The flavonoids in Belinal® are predominantly catechin and epicatechin.
Table 1. Standard lignans in Belinal®
| Compound | Elemental Composition | m/z (ESI(-)) | % (g compound/100 g Belinal®) |
| 1 Isolariciresinol | C20H24O6 | 359 | 1.78 |
| 2 Hydroxymatairesinol | C20H22O7 | 373, 355, 327 | 0.89 |
| 3 Secoisolariciresinol | C20H26O6 | 361, 346, 315 | 5.51 |
| 4 Lariciresinol | C20H24O6 | 359 | 0.79 |
| 5 Pinoresinol | C20H22O6 | 357 | 0.24 |
| 6 Matairesinol | C20H22O6 | 357 | 0.50 |
Belinal® is a natural plant extract that contains a rich variety of polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds with multiple benefits for human health. Belinal® has been shown to have biological, pharmacological and clinical activities, such as:
- Antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity: Belinal® can scavenge free radicals, protect cells from oxidative stress, and modulate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
- Anti-inflammatory action: Belinal® can inhibit inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, and reduce inflammation-related pain and swelling.
- Immune-modulatory action: Belinal® can enhance the immune system by stimulating the production and activity of immune cells
- Collagen and elastin boosting: Belinal® can stimulate the synthesis and cross-linking of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins for the structure and elasticity of the skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
- Microcirculation action: Belinal® can improve the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues, especially in the extremities, by dilating the small blood vessels
- Well-being trends and chronic disease prevention: Belinal® can support various aspects of well-being, such as sport, anti-aging, and weight management, by enhancing physical performance, reducing fatigue, improving skin appearance, and regulating body weight. Belinal® can also help prevent and manage common chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, joint disease, and brain disease, by improving the function and health of the heart, joints, and brain.
Belinal® is a powder of light to moderately brown color with a distinct smell of conifers. It is water soluble and easy to use. 90% of the polyphenols in Belinal® have a molecular weight of less than 1000 Dalton, which means they can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Figure 2. Chromatogram of Belinal® with identified lignans
