Argireline Neuropeptide – an alternative to botulinum toxin

Argirelin – is a concentrated neuropeptide that is effective in the treatment of cosmetic problems such as forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and wrinkles. Additionally, it effectively stimulates collagen production and helps to evenly hydrate the skin.

 

Argirelin otherwise known as acetylhexapeptide-8, is a synthetic peptide composed of six amino acid residues with the sequence AC-gly-glu-met-gln-arg-arg-NH2. This sequence is found in the SNAP-25 protein, which is the molecular target for botulinum toxin.

 

What is the action of botulinum toxin?

The action of botulinum toxin is to digest the SNAP-25 protein and, as a result, the formation of the SNARE complex is inhibited and the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is stopped. A reduction in the amount of neurotransmitter secretion or even inhibition of neurotransmitter secretion leads to an arrest of nerve impulse conduction and stops muscle contraction. By paralysing the mimic muscles and reducing skin tension, the reduction of mimic wrinkles is achieved. Botulinum toxin, which is the most potent neurotoxin, exhibits very high efficacy, but at the same time high toxicity For this reason, the use of botulinum toxin must be carried out under strict medical control. The introduction of botulinum toxin into aesthetic medicine was a revolutionary development, but its high neurotoxicity carries limitations for its use.

 

Mimetic peptides

To circumvent these limitations, mimetic peptides have been developed for botulinum toxin, i.e. peptides that mimic its action while providing a greater level of safety of the treatment and greater stability of the preparation. among them arginelline (Lupo and Cole, 2007). The anti-wrinkle action of arginelline is similar to that of botulinum toxin, but not identical. Arginelin destabilises the formation of the synaptic SNARE complex (SNAP receptor, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor binding protein receptor), which prevents muscle contraction and provides a mechanism for anti-wrinkle action.

 

How does argirelin work?

Argirelin has also been shown to penetrate the skin barrier and therefore does not require injection (Blanes-Mira et al. 2002). By blocking muscle-nerve conduction, argirelin reduces the depth of facial wrinkles. Although the activity of argirelin is lower than that of botulinum toxin, but, importantly, the peptide is non-toxic and does not cause skin irritation, does not require administration by a doctor and can be used in cosmetics. Argirelin is therefore safe to use and effective, which has been confirmed in a number of studies. In a study conducted on a group of 10 women, it was shown that a preparation containing 10% argireline applied for one month resulted in a 30% reduction in wrinkles (Blanes-Mira et al. 2002).

 

Wrinkle reduction (%) using emulsion containing (grey) and containing argirelin (blue) (Blanes-Mira et al. 2002).

 

In another study, it was shown that the use of argirelin-containing creams and gels resulted in a reduction of wrinkles from more than 40% to nearly 80% (Kluczyk et al. 2021). A study of 60 people in China observed a 48.9% reduction in wrinkles around the eyes. In a subsequent study, argirelin was shown to stimulate collagen production in addition to relaxing muscles and helping to evenly hydrate the skin (Wang et al. 2013).

Considering the results of the study, it can be concluded that argireline is an effective and safe alternative to botox and, above all, we can benefit from its effects without exposing ourselves to the risks associated with botulinum toxin treatments.

 

Argireline Neuropeptide

Chantarelle formulations use argireline as an ingredient in Argireline Neuropeptide. It has been used in powerful anti-wrinkle and rejuvenating laser therapy treatments PDT Black Essential:

• Peptide-Hyaluronic Wrinkle Filler
• Volumetric face and chin lift
• Rekonstrukcja Kolagenu

 

Dr Marcin Wasylewski

Chantarelle expert, biotechnologist and university lecturer 

 

 

 

Literature:

• Blanes-Mira C, Clemente J, Jodas G, Gil A, Fernández-Ballester G, Ponsati B, Gutierrez L, Pérez-Payá E, Ferrer-Montiel A. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity. International journal of cosmetic science. 2002 Oct 1;24(5):303-10.
• Kluczyk A, Ludwiczak J, Modzel M, et al. Chemical and biological properties of anti-wrinkle peptide Argireline. Aesth Cosmetol Med. 2021;10(3):125-133.
• Lupo, M. P. (2005). Cosmeceutical peptides. Dermatologic surgery, 31, 832-836.
• Ruiz MA, Clares B, Morales ME, Gallardo V. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle efficacy of cosmetic formulations with an anti-aging peptide (Argireline®). Ars pharm. 2010;50(4):168-76.
• Wang, Y., Wang, M., Xiao, X. S., Huo, J., & Zhang, W. D. (2013). The anti-wrinkle efficacy of Argireline. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 15(4), 237-241.