FAQ

The Bionov melon variety is characterized by an incredible shelf life: after 3 weeks these melons are still intact when classical ones are rotten. Years of research have allowed solving the mystery of this Cantaloup melon variety. Scientific studies conducted by the Bionov research team have demonstrated that this these melons has a 5 to 10 times-higher content in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) than any other melon varieties. Antioxidant properties of SOD provide protection against oxidation, conferring to these melons an increased shelf-life. Only Bionov can use the seeds and produce this melon variety.

SOD B^® is a dried melon juice concentrate naturally rich in SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), obtained from a unique and proprietary Cantaloup melon (Cucumis melo L.) variety. As directly obtained from the melon pulp, SOD B^® is not pure SOD and also contains secondary antioxidants such as minerals, vitamin C and E, carotenoids, glutathione, etc. SOD B^® is the best source of 100% natural and bioactive SOD, which is responsible for 85 to 90% of the SOD B^® total antioxidant capacity.

SOD B^® is the unique and highest source of melon SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD). There is only one producer of melon SOD B^® worldwide: Bionov. SOD B^® is composed of a unique ratio of the 3 different SOD isoforms existing in plants: Fe-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD. Such a ratio has been tested in all Bionov proprietary studies.

SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD) is a key primary antioxidant enzyme constituting the body’s first line of defense against cell oxidation. SOD is the only antioxidant able to eliminate superoxide anions, known as the most reactive free radicals. The key localization of SOD, notably present inside the mitochondria, which is responsible for 90% of the free radicals production, allows an optimal antioxidant protection. Since its discovery in 1969, more than 50,000 scientific works have been published on SOD, highlighting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of this unique molecule. SOD was even used as a pharmaceutical agent against several inflammatory disorders such as fibrosis and joint alterations.

SOD converts extremely reactive superoxide anions (O₂^·–) into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This dismutation reaction is the triggering factor in the natural antioxidant defenses mechanism. SOD works synergistically with the two other majors antioxidant enzymes which are Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx). These three enzymes prevent the production of hydroxyl radicals (OH^·) and the initiation of oxidative damages to DNA, lipids and proteins. As enzymes, SOD, as well as CAT and GPx scavenge millions of free radicals and provide optimal antioxidant benefits, acting both inside and outside the cells.

The Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC) assay is a classic tool for measuring the antioxidant capacity of molecules bring by the food against peroxyl radicals ROO^·. Consequently, only non-essential secondary antioxidants, acting at the end of the tree radicals cascade production, are concerned by the ORAC test. ORAC values cannot be obtained on proteins, especially on enzymes like SOD, which are able to quench millions of free radicals per second. The ORAC test methodology is not adapted to such high antioxidant activities. That’s why, the SOD ORAC value doesn’t exist.

Primary antioxidants are only three enzymes, i.e. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), which control the first step of the free radicals cascade production. These three major antioxidant enzymes constitute the body’s natural endogenous antioxidant defense system. Primary antioxidants have high catalytic properties and are involved in the elimination of millions of free radicals. This way of action makes primary antioxidants unique and powerful antioxidants.

Oxidative stress results from an accumulation of free radicals and depleted antioxidant defences. Cell oxidative damages occur leading to cell death and tissue damages. Oxidative stress has been scientifically demonstrated to induce numerous physiological disorders in almost all organs and tissues. Optimal antioxidant defences are essential to control the free radicals production and to prevent cell oxidation.

According to published scientific studies, absence or alteration in SOD expression is correlated with a reduced lifespan and the development of age-related disorders. Body’s SOD levels progressively decreases with aging, and the daily exposure to numerous pro-oxidant environmental factors amplify the SOD depletion. It is therefore necessary to maintain optimal SOD levels to prevent cell oxidation, correct inflammation, and preserve its capital health. The benefits of SOD supplementation are backed by solid scientific research for more than 40 years.

SOD is a protein with a high molecular weight of 30 KDa. Consequently, the SODs provided by SOD B^® can’t be absorbed in the blood circulation, as any other proteins, and is therefore not bioavailable. Coating, whatever its nature, only protects SOD activity from gastric and/or skin environment following an oral or topical administration. SOD B^® acts by inducing the expression of the body’s endogenous antioxidant defenses, as demonstrated in several proprietary studies. Numerous health benefits have been demonstrated following an SOD B^® administration both after topical and oral administration.

SOD B^® is a 100% natural melon concentrate. Part of the Mediterranean diet, Cantaloupe melon is commonly consumed since the dawn of time in populations worldwide. Bionov has confirmed the SOD B^® safety in a scientific publication, by showing that a dose corresponding to 12 to 40 times more than the daily recommended dosage provided no side effects. Clinical studies performed with the Bionov SOD B^® solutions, have confirmed that SOD B^® is well tolerated.

SOD-like components does not contain SOD but only secondary antioxidants (polyphenols, vitamins, carotenoids, etc.) from non-natural origin. These secondary antioxidants could help increase the SOD plasmatic activity (SOD-like) – this theory has not been demonstrated for the most part of SOD-like compounds. SOD has a very short half-life in the blood, highlighting the need to boost the SOD expression rather than its plasmatic activity. Contrary to SOD-like compounds, SOD B^® is a source of natural & bioactive SOD and allows the stimulation of tissue expression of SOD, as well as Catalase & Glutathione Peroxidase, restoring the body’s endogenous primary antioxidant defenses for prolonged periods. SOD B^® is backed by strong scientific evidence contrary to SOD-like molecules which are few scientifically supported.