Antarctic Lichen RAMALIN Antioxidant Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antioxidants, particularly those derived from synthetic sources, are potent carcinogens, and natural antioxidants from lichens, especially polar lichens, are under-studied due to difficulties in obtaining and cultivating sufficient amounts, limiting their availability and understanding of their antioxidant activities.
Innovation Solution
A novel compound, RAMALIN™, is isolated from the Antarctic lichen Ramalina terebrata and prepared through extraction with polar and non-polar solvents followed by liquid chromatography, demonstrating high antioxidant activity and used in pharmaceutical, functional food, and cosmetic compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic antioxidants are used, then antioxidant activity is improved, but carcinogenicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing harmful synthetic antioxidants with beneficial natural antioxidants derived from Antarctic lichens. The lichen-derived compounds (depsides, depsidones, phenolic compounds) naturally occur in the lichen symbiosis and convert the potential harm of oxidative stress into benefit through their inherent antioxidant properties, eliminating carcinogenicity while maintaining or enhancing antioxidant activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by isolating specific natural compounds (RAMALIN™, usnic acid, norstictic acid, stictic acid) from the lichen with defined molecular structures and compositions. This parameter change from synthetic to natural compounds with specific chemical characteristics resolves the contradiction by maintaining antioxidant efficacy while eliminating carcinogenic properties
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural antioxidants from lichens are used, then carcinogenicity is reduced, but availability decreases due to difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction principles by isolating specific antioxidant compounds (RAMALIN™, usnic acid, norstictic acid, stictic acid) from the Antarctic lichen Ramalina terebrata through systematic extraction and purification processes. This takes out the valuable antioxidant components from the complex lichen matrix, making them available in purified forms suitable for commercial application while maintaining their natural, non-carcinogenic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and characterization of the lichen species Ramalina terebrata and its antioxidant compounds before large-scale application. The preliminary action includes structural elucidation, antioxidant activity assessment, and safety verification, which enables subsequent reliable production and availability of these natural antioxidants without carcinogenic risks
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
RAMALIN™ exhibits significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to commercial antioxidants, effectively scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting inflammation, making it suitable for treating oxidation-related diseases and promoting skin health.
Implementation Method 1
RAMALIN™ exhibits significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to commercial antioxidants, effectively scavenging free radicals
Implementation Method 2
prepared through extraction with polar and non-polar solvents followed by liquid chromatography
Implementation Method 3
extracting dried Ramalina terebrata with a polar solvent selected from water, a C1-C4 lower alcohol and a mixed solvent thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel compound having excellent antioxidant activity, isolated from Ramalina terebrata, and more particularly to a novel compound, RAMALIN™, having excellent antioxidant activity, isolated from the Antarctic lichen Ramalina terebrata, a method for preparing the RAMALIN™, and a pharmaceutical composition, a functional food and a functional cosmetic composition, which contain the RAMALIN™ as an active ingredient. The RAMALIN™ according to the invention has significantly excellent antioxidant effects compared to commercially available antioxidants, and thus can be widely used in agents for treating oxidation-related diseases, anti-aging functional foods, functional cosmetic products for skin whitening and wrinkle reduction, etc.