Hyaluronic acid and its functions

Hyaluronic acid is a physiological substance, produced naturally by the human body. More precisely, it is one of the main components of amorphous substance, which in turn represents, along with the fibrillar component, one of the two constituents of the extracellular matrix (ECM).
It is the most hygroscopic molecule found in in nature: 1g of Hyaluronic acid retains up to 3 liters of water.
It is produced by special cells called fibroblasts, connective tissue cells (which also produce collagen and elastin), and serves to moisturize and protect various tissues. It is extremely soluble, meaning that, in an environment with high water specificity such as our body, it has the ability to ensure both hydration and protection of tissues against stress, tension and possible trauma, since it also possesses viscoelastic and plastic qualities. The latter give turgidity to subcutaneous tissues, while at the joint level they ensure adequate lubrication.
In addition, since hyaluronic acid distributes itself in aggregate formation, it also acts as a cement, contributing to an effective anti-shock effect, essential in case of impact.

Its main functions are:

tissue hydration and protection
restoration of viscoelastic and plastic qualities
lubrication and anti-shock effect
plastic support, tone and shape of the fabric
filtration against infectious agents
anti-inflammatory, scar forming, reconstructive, regenerative

Hyaluronic acid and connective tissue

Hyaluronic acid is one of the main building blocks of connective tissue, in particular its amorphous substance, which consists of a compact gel in which collagen and elastin fibres are immersed, important for the hydration and softness of the skin and for lubrication and protection of joints.

Hyaluronic acid also has anti-inflammatory, scar forming, reconstructive and regenerative action and acts on the proliferation and subdivision of hair follicles and hair.

Hyaluronic acid creates reticular structure that acts as a filter against the spread of potentially toxic substances, bacteria or infectious agents in the tissues.It provides a filtering action that also takes place at the level of synovial fluid in the joints.

In the human body hyaluronic acid is found:

in the vitreous humor of the eye
in synovial fluid
in the skin (50% in the dermis)
in cartilage
in tendons
in the umbilical cord
in the walls of the aorta
in the lungs and kidneys

Formulations and uses of hyaluronic acid

There are different formulations and uses of hyaluronic acid:

Hyaluronic acid