Structure and Source

Squalene (C??H??), also known as tricosahexaene, is a kind of polyunsaturated hydrocarbon that is produced in the metabolic process of human cholesterol synthesis. It contains six isoprene double bonds and belongs to the terpene compounds. Squalene can be synthesized by itself, but its synthesis ability decreases with age. Natural extracts were originally derived from deep-sea sharks. Due to the scarcity of squalene resources and the consideration of protecting rare biological resources, more attention is now being paid to some plants and biosynthesis methods.

Biological Activity

Squalene participates in cholesterol biosynthesis and various biochemical reactions in the body. It promotes biological oxidation and metabolism of the body, improves the body’s defense function and stress capacity, accelerates steroid hormone synthesis, activates the activity of adenylate cyclase, and enhances the body’s endurance and cardiac function. After taking squalene, the levels of ceruloplasmin and transferrin as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase increase. At the same time, squalene has a similar function to red blood cells in taking up oxygen. It generates activated oxidized squalene, which is transported to the end cells of the body with the blood to release oxygen. This increases the utilization capacity of the body’s tissues, promotes liver function and bile secretion, and enhances appetite. It also has a preventive and therapeutic effect on hypoxic diseases.
Squalene has a variety of physiological effects, such as improving the activity of superoxide dismutase in the body, enhancing the immune capacity of the body, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, anti-tumor, etc. Its main functions include the following: 1) activating cells, improving cell hypoxia, activating body functions, helping to eliminate fatigue and improve physical strength; 2) strengthening the liver, enhancing liver function and bile secretion, promoting liver fat metabolism, reducing liver enzyme levels, and increasing appetite in hepatitis patients; 3) enhancing the body’s immune function, increasing superoxide dismutase activity, reducing hematopoietic tissue damage, accelerating hematopoietic cell regeneration, and enhancing white blood cell metabolism. Therefore, squalene is beneficial for preventing or treating diseases caused by poor blood circulation, such as heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. It also helps to control the occurrence of fatty liver and assists in the treatment of various inflammations, including hepatitis.