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Trehalose

Also known as: (2 3S 4S 5R 6R)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(2R 3R 4S 5S 6R)-3 4 5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yloxyoxane-3 4 5-triol, D-trehalose, Alpha alpha trehalose

Overview

Trehalose is a disaccharide composed of glucose, differing from the dietary sugar known as maltose which is also comprised of two glucose molecules due to differing bonds. Trehalose is found mostly as a component of mushrooms in the diet, with limited exposure in the human diet otherwise. It has been investigated for a variety of therapeutic purposes due to its ability to induce apoptosis (controlled cellular death) via an atypical mechanism, and in these therapeutic settings using trehalose injections it appears to be effective. Unfortunately, not only is trehalose initially poorly absorbed from the intestines but within the intestinal wall there is an enzyme (trehalase) which can rapidly degrade trehalose into glucose. For the trehalose that bypasses this enzyme and gets absorbed, the trehalase present in the liver and the blood appears to finalize the digestion leaving little to no trehalose able to reach a cell and exert its therapeutic effects. The only way to preserve the effects of trehalose is to avoid oral ingestion by applying the compound topically leading to the promise of trehalose in protecting cellular function being exclusive to the skin, eyes, and hair. It has already shown therapeutic promise for the treatment of dry eye symptoms when used as eye drops, with a potency greater than commercially available products.

Benefits

Trehalose functions by regulating protein unfolding at a cellular level. Its therapeutic mechanisms are linked to its ability to induce apoptosis through an atypical mechanism. However, due to its low oral absorption and rapid degradation by the enzyme trehalase, the therapeutic effects of trehalose are primarily preserved through topical application rather than oral ingestion.

How it works

Trehalose has shown therapeutic promise particularly for the treatment of dry eye symptoms. When used as eye drops, it has demonstrated a potency greater than commercially available products. Its ability to protect cellular function is linked to its application on the skin, eyes, and hair.

Side effects

The text does not provide specific dosage recommendations or administration instructions for trehalose.

Dosage

The text does not list specific side effects, safety concerns, or contraindications for trehalose.

FAQs

What are other names for Trehalose?

Universal

Score: 53/100