Monteloeder, a subsidiary of Suannutra SA, has announced positive results from a clinical study examining its proprietary botanical formulation Nutroxsun for skin health support following UV exposure. The randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial demonstrated significant photoprotective effects and accelerated recovery from UV-induced skin redness.
Clinical Trial Design and Methodology
The two-phase study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in April 2025, first evaluated Nutroxsun's photoprotective potential in vitro using UVR-exposed human dermal fibroblasts. The follow-up clinical phase involved 20 volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design to assess the supplement's efficacy in supporting skin response to UV-induced redness.
Participants received either 100mg or 250mg of Nutroxsun or placebo, with skin redness and recovery assessed 24 hours after UV exposure. The formulation combines extracts of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and grapefruit (Citrus paradise), targeting the skin's natural defense mechanisms against UV-induced oxidative stress.
Dose-Dependent Photoprotective Effects
The study revealed significant dose-dependent reductions in UV-induced skin redness. While all participants experienced increased skin redness 24 hours after UVB exposure, those receiving Nutroxsun showed markedly milder responses. Redness increased by 62.7% in the placebo group compared to 44.7% in the 100mg Nutroxsun group and 41.0% in the 250mg group.
"Skin redness are the most noticeable and immediate inflammatory reaction to solar radiation," explained Nuria Caturla, Chief R&D Officer at Monteloeder. "It usually appears 3–5 hours after exposure and peaks at 12–24 hours, fading gradually over 72 hours."
By 72 hours post-exposure, redness in both Nutroxsun groups had nearly returned to baseline levels, while the placebo group maintained elevated redness, indicating slower recovery. Among fair-skinned participants, the 250mg dose demonstrated superior efficacy in supporting skin recovery compared to the 100mg dose.
Mechanistic Insights and Biomarker Modulation
The in vitro component revealed Nutroxsun's capacity to reduce markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and processes associated with skin structural integrity degradation. Key findings included reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreased proinflammatory compounds, and dose-dependent modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
"The results from the present study reinforce and expand on previous evidence supporting Nutroxsun's role in helping improve skin health and appearance when exposed to UV-related stressors," added Caturla. "Rosemary extracts have been shown to help slow down collagen degradation further highlighting their potential to support dermal structure and resilience."
Matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes involved in the breakdown of structural matrix components such as collagen and elastin fibers. Increased MMP activity accelerates collagen breakdown, contributing to photoaging and loss of skin firmness.
Synergistic Botanical Mechanisms
The formulation leverages the complementary properties of its botanical components. Rosemary extracts contain phenolic compounds that help neutralize free radicals and slow collagen degradation, while grapefruit flavones have been studied for their role in counteracting UVB-induced oxidative effects that may impact collagen integrity.
"Nutroxsun was developed as a dietary solution to support the skin's natural defense mechanisms in response to UV-induced oxidative stress," stated Mariana Ortega, Science Marketing Manager of Suannutra. "It acts from within to help maintain skin health when exposed to environmental aggressors."
Previous Clinical Evidence
This study builds upon earlier clinical evidence supporting Nutroxsun's efficacy. A previous two-month clinical trial involving 90 participants demonstrated reductions in markers of skin lipid peroxidation associated with UVB and UVA exposure, along with perceived improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, and elasticity.
In that earlier study, 77% of participants noticed improved skin appearance and more even skin tone, while 73% reported their skin "felt firmer," and 60% observed visible reduction in wrinkle appearance. Participants also reported increased skin moisturization.
Market Implications and Future Directions
The positive clinical results position Nutroxsun as a scientifically-supported option in the growing beauty-from-within nutraceutical market. The formulation addresses both immediate UV-induced inflammatory responses and long-term photoaging concerns through its dual-action mechanism targeting oxidative stress and collagen preservation.
Monteloeder plans to present these findings at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona on May 20-22, 2025, highlighting the commercial potential of evidence-based botanical formulations in the skin health supplement sector. The company's approach demonstrates the increasing sophistication of nutraceutical development, combining traditional botanical knowledge with rigorous clinical validation.
