Phosphatidylcholine 20% | Helianthus annuus

Phosphatidylcholine 20% | Helianthus annuus

Properties: Phosphatidylcholine, also referred to as p-choline, plays an important role in the functioning of our organism. It can be found in almost every cell of the body. Essentially, it supports metabolism and strengthens cellular membranes. Due to its exceptional properties it is also popular in cosmetology, especially in aesthetic medicine and regenerative therapies. However, it is worthwhile to take a look at its effects on the central nervous system. As it turns out, it can be helpful in neuroregulation – in order to improve neuronal efficacy.

Many factors can pose a threat to neural cells. One of them is an excess of free radicals that can be toxic to brain cells. Free radicals can be efficiently stopped and removed from the organism by antioxidant compounds. Phosphatidylcholine stimulates the production of antioxidant enzymes that counteract substances dangerous for cells and neurons. Furthermore, it protects the central nervous system from inflammation, which could reduce neurogenesis – the production of new neural cells.

What is more, Ptd-cho has an influence on acetylcholine – a crucial neurotransmitter that stabilizes the functioning of the brain. An increase in acetylcholine activity leads to an improvement of cognitive capacity. Information acquisition and processing becomes easier, the attentional span expands, and the potential of the mind becomes fully exploited. That’s not all! Optimal level of acetylcholine is also essential for our mental wellbeing. Therefore an increase in its activity benefits the frame of mind, too.

Additionally, phosphatidylcholine is an important component of hepatocytes – the building blocks of the liver. Thus, it can efficiently support the functioning of this important organ. On top of that, it helps to lower the cholesterol, thereby ensuring that its concentration is maintained at a proper level. This is particularly important for the condition of the heart and arteries that supply oxygen to all bodily cells.

It is worth noting that p-choline is used as an ingredient in cosmetics. It plays quite an important role in many metabolic processes, especially in fat metabolism – as it facilitates decomposition of lipids and fatty acids. Due to its lipolytic properties, it is often used in the esthetic medicine treatments such as injection lipolysis and mesotherapy.

Occurrence: Phosphatidylcholine is naturally present in the human body. To be precise – it is a main component of cellular membranes and therefore it can be found in each and every cell of the organism. Moreover, it is also a component of lecithin, and therefore any food product that contains lecithin can be a source of phosphatidylcholine. It is found in animal-based products such as: egg yolks, liver, dairy, and fish. Plant-based products rich in phosphatidylcholine include: soy, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, wheat sprouts, walnuts, peanuts, broccoli, brussels sprouts, avocado, beans, and olives. Purified phosphatidylcholine is obtained from soy (Glycine max) or sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) lecithin.

Biochemistry: Phosphatidylcholine (PC, Ptd-Cho) is an organic chemical compound that is a choline phosphate derivative included in the group of phospholipids. It is a substrate of cellular membranes that surround each and every cell of the body. Its absorption rate when ingested is high. As a choline compound it is a precursor of acetylcholine – a major excitatory neurotransmitter. The structure of PC also includes amino acids that are helpful in nutrients transportation. Last but not least, it is one of the three phospholipid forms that contain choline, the other two being Alpha-GPC and CDP-choline.

Fun fact: Phosphatidylcholine can be found in cellular membranes of plants and animals but is absent in the membranes of most bacteria, including Escherichia coli (commonly known as E. coli).