NanoActive™ HarpaLiposomal Devil’s Claw Phytocomplex for Skin & Scalp Resilience
BRAND & PRODUCT
NanoActive™ Harpa · Liposomal Harpagoside Botanical Complex
Liposomal Devil’s Claw Phytocomplex for Skin & Scalp Resilience
Powered by PURISOME® FlexVes™ Liposome Technology
Soothe inflammatory signals, restore barrier resilience and revitalize the scalp
PuriPharm Co., Ltd.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
African desert botanical resilience meets modern nano-delivery
TRADE NAME
NanoActive™ Harpa
PRODUCT POSITIONING
Liposomal harpagoside botanical complex
INCI NAME
HARPAGOPHYTUM PROCUMBENS ROOT EXTRACT
BOTANICAL SOURCE
Devil’s claw root
MARKER ACTIVES
Harpagoside and other iridoid glycosides
DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY
PURISOME® FlexVes™ flexible vesicle liposome technology
APPLICATIONS
Skincare · Scalp care · Hair care
KEY BENEFITS
▪ Soothing and redness care
▪ Barrier recovery
▪ Reduced water loss
▪ Inflamm-aging care
▪ Scalp comfort
▪ Root vitality
PRODUCT VALUE
Botanical actives
FlexVes™ flexible liposomes
Skin and scalp applications
NanoActive™ Harpa
MARKET INSIGHT
Skin and scalp face shared inflammatory stress
DAILY STRESSORS
▪ Air pollution
▪ UV exposure and heat
▪ Extreme temperature changes
▪ Frequent cleansing
▪ Surfactant irritation
▪ Cosmetic procedures
▪ Shaving
▪ Hair coloring, bleaching and perming
▪ Heat styling
▪ Sleep and lifestyle stress
BOTANICAL ORIGIN
Devil’s claw: resilience from the African desert
Harpagophytum procumbens grows mainly in arid southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Angola and parts of Zimbabwe.
“Harpago” derives from the Latin word for “hook.” The fruit’s sharp hooks give the plant its common name, devil’s claw.
Adapted to extreme dryness: defensive secondary metabolites accumulate under desert heat and water stress.
Secondary storage roots are the traditional plant material used and contain concentrated actives.
Burgundy flowers and hooked fruits create a distinctive visual identity for the African desert botanical story.
Traditional use and scientific interest connect southern African botanical practice with modern inflammation research.
Namib Desert landscape; devil’s claw flowers, hooked fruits, secondary roots and dried roots (reference images).
Source: Zuplex Botanicals. Rosacalm Product Brochure. 2019 [5].
PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE
Beyond harpagoside: a multi-active botanical matrix
IRIDOID GLYCOSIDES
- Harpagoside (marker compound)
- Harpagide
- Procumbide
PHENOLIC GLYCOSIDES
- Acteoside / Verbascoside
- Isoacteoside
PHYTOSTEROLS
- β-Sitosterol
- TRITERPENES
- Oleanolic acid
- Ursolic acid
FLAVONOIDS
- Luteolin
- Kaempferol
AROMATIC ACIDS
- Caffeic acid
- Cinnamic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
Harpagoside is the principal marker compound. The full devil’s claw root extract also contains multiple complementary actives.
Source: Zuplex Botanicals. Rosacalm Product Brochure. 2019 [5].
FORMULATION PHILOSOPHY
One marker compound, multiple complementary pathways
SINGLE MARKER COMPOUND: HARPAGOSIDE
▪ A defined active marker
▪ A focus of mechanistic research
▪ A clear anchor for scientific communication
FULL DEVIL’S CLAW ROOT PHYTOCOMPLEX
▪ Multiple iridoid glycosides
▪ Complementary polyphenols and flavonoids
▪ Additional triterpenes
▪ Botanical activity across multiple targets
▪ A broader rationale for soothing and repair
NanoActive™ Harpa delivers a botanical active network centered on harpagoside.
Source: Abdelouahab N, Heard C. J Nat Prod. 2008;71:746–749. DOI: 10.1021/np070204u [2].
THE DELIVERY CHALLENGE
Botanical actives need effective delivery
Actives vary in polarity, making a single solvent system difficult to optimize.
Uneven partitioning between aqueous and oil phases affects formulation uniformity.
Suboptimal dispersion can limit active availability.
Limited skin or scalp contact time reduces surface residence.
Some actives are sensitive to light, oxidation and other environmental factors.
Conventional extracts offer limited technological differentiation for premium positioning.
Scalp actives may run off with liquid, further reducing contact efficiency.
PURISOME® FlexVes™ upgrades conventional devil’s claw extract into a functional active with a modern delivery concept.
DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY
Flexible vesicles improve contact with target surfaces
TECHNOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION
From conventional botanical extract to NanoActive™ delivery
| Dimension | Conventional devil’s claw root extract | NanoActive™ Harpa |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical source | Devil’s claw root | Active devil’s claw root phytocomplex |
| Marker constituent | Harpagoside | Multi-component phytocomplex centered on harpagoside |
| Dispersion | Conventional solution or dispersion | Phospholipid flexible vesicle delivery |
| Surface contact | Passive contact | Designed to enhance contact with skin and scalp surfaces |
| Technology story | Traditional African botanical | African botanical resilience + modern liposome technology |
| Applications | Primarily skin soothing | Skin, scalp and hair care platform |
| Market positioning | Natural botanical extract | Premium botanical active with nano-delivery |
MECHANISM OVERVIEW
Soothing begins with upstream signaling
KEY MESSAGE
Modulation of upstream NF-κB-related signals provides a mechanistic rationale for soothing, redness care and barrier repair with devil’s claw root actives.
Source: Huang THW et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;104:149–155. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.055 [1].
MECHANISM: NF-κB
NF-κB: a key regulator of inflammatory cascades
NF-κB links external stimuli with inflammatory mediator expression.
After stimulation, NF-κB can activate and enter the nucleus, promoting inflammatory mediators associated with redness, heat sensations and barrier discomfort.
Studies of harpagoside report effects on NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation, providing a molecular rationale for upstream inflammatory signal management.
The mechanistic evidence comes from published cellular and molecular studies and supports the product’s soothing rationale [1].
Source: Huang THW et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;104:149–155 [1].
MECHANISM: INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS
Inflammatory mediator regulation at multiple levels
iNOS
Inducible nitric oxide synthase
▪ Involved in NO production during inflammation
▪ Excess activity is associated with oxidative stress
▪ May increase cellular stress
COX-2
Inducible cyclooxygenase
▪ An important inducible enzyme in inflammation
▪ Participates in prostaglandin production
▪ Associated with redness, burning and discomfort
PGE2
Prostaglandin E2
▪ Involved in local vasodilation and inflammatory signaling
▪ May contribute to redness, swelling and barrier discomfort
NANOACTIVE™ HARPA: MECHANISTIC POSITIONING
NF-κB — iNOS — COX-2 — PGE2 inflammatory signaling axis
Harpagoside and the full phytocomplex provide a rationale for soothing at multiple levels of this axis.
Sources: Huang THW et al., 2006 [1]; Abdelouahab N, Heard C., 2008 [2].
SKIN INTERFACE RESEARCH
From cellular signaling to topical skin applications
▪ Devil’s claw root extract and its major glycosides have been studied in skin-related models [2].
▪ Research includes epidermal COX-2 responses relevant to redness and discomfort signals.
▪ Constituent ratios may influence overall effects; a single compound may not substitute for the full extract.
▪ Skin models indicate complementary value from multiple constituents.
▪ Transcutaneous and topical studies provide a mechanistic basis for cosmetic soothing applications [3].
Skin model research connects molecular mechanisms with topical use, supporting the rationale for soothing and barrier repair.
Sources: Abdelouahab N, Heard C. J Nat Prod. 2008 [2]; Int J Pharm. 2009 (ex vivo skin model study) [3].
INFLAMM-AGING
Managing low-grade inflammatory stress for skin resilience
Persistent low-grade inflammatory stress may affect skin cells, barrier function and the extracellular matrix. Inflamm-aging is therefore a concept used in premium anti-aging product development.
APPLICATION TERRITORIES
▪ Anti-aging for sensitive skin
▪ Repair-focused anti-aging
▪ Urban environmental care
▪ Barrier-focused anti-aging
▪ Soothing support alongside potent actives
▪ Skin longevity and resilience concepts
Upstream signal management provides a scientific rationale for combining soothing with anti-aging product concepts.
Mechanistic sources: Huang THW et al., 2006 [1]; Abdelouahab N, Heard C., 2008 [2].
EFFICACY BENCHMARK: THIRD-PARTY DEVIL’S CLAW ROOT EXTRACT DATA
Redness and water loss improvements over 24–48 hours
TEST DESIGN
TEST LABORATORY：Dermaconsult GmbH
PARTICIPANTS：20 participants, plus 1 reserve participant
SEX AND AGE：14 women and 6 men; 23–61 years
TEST AREA：Inner forearm
ACTIVE CONCENTRATION：5%
ASSESSMENTS：Skin redness · Transepidermal water loss · Skin irritation patch test
INSTRUMENTS：CR-400 chroma meter · Tewameter Triple TM 330 T
INSTRUMENTAL RESULTS
| Endpoint | 24 hours | 48 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction in skin redness | 9.1% | 14.7% |
| Reduction in TEWL | 16.7% | 22.95% |
▪ Redness improvement observed at 24 hours
▪ Greater improvement at 48 hours
▪ Continued reduction in transepidermal water loss
▪ Supports positioning for rapid soothing and barrier recovery
▪ Relevant to products for sensitive, irritated or environmentally stressed skin
Note: These data come from a third-party human efficacy test of 5% conventional devil’s claw root extract. They serve as botanical benchmarks for NanoActive™ Harpa product development and efficacy positioning.
Sources: Zuplex Botanicals. Rosacalm Product Brochure. 2019 [5]; Dermaconsult GmbH Test Summary [6].
SKINCARE PLATFORM
From rapid soothing to lasting barrier resilience
CALM
▪ Help reduce visible redness
▪ Soothe tightness and discomfort
▪ Help restore skin comfort
RESTORE
▪ Support barrier recovery
▪ Help reduce transepidermal water loss
▪ Improve dryness, roughness and fragility
DEFEND
▪ Help manage inflammatory signals associated with external stressors
▪ Support care under pollution and climate stress
▪ Provide soothing support in formulations with potent actives
REVITALIZE
▪ Help restore a healthy, balanced appearance
▪ Improve softness and moisturized feel
▪ Support repair-focused anti-aging and skin resilience concepts
Rapid botanical soothing supports skin recovery and resilience.
SKINCARE APPLICATIONS
For repair-focused and sensitive-skin products
01 Redness rescue serum
Rapid soothing care for environmental irritation, temperature changes, sleep loss and fragile skin.
02 Urban repair cream
For skin stressed by pollution, dryness and demanding lifestyles.
03 Soothing serum to complement potent actives
For concepts featuring retinol, retinal, acids or high-concentration niacinamide.
04 After-sun soothing lotion
Comfort care following UV and heat exposure.
05 Eye-area soothing serum
For the appearance of fatigue, dryness and puffiness.
06 Post-shave barrier repair lotion
For redness, tightness and discomfort after shaving.
OTHER APPLICATIONS
Soothing masks · Body repair lotions · Hand and foot care · Cosmetic aftercare for tattoos · Local repair gels
COMPLEMENTARY INGREDIENT CONCEPTS
Panthenol · Ectoin · β-Glucan · Niacinamide · Ceramides · Bisabolol · Allantoin · Hyaluronic acid
SCALP SCIENCE
Scalpification brings barrier and soothing science to the scalp
SCALP STRESSORS
▪ Frequent shampooing
▪ Surfactants
▪ Sebum oxidation
▪ Pollutant accumulation
▪ UV and heat
▪ Hair coloring, bleaching and perming
▪ Blow-drying and heat styling
▪ Scratching and mechanical friction
POTENTIAL IMPACT
▪ Tightness and discomfort
▪ Visible redness
▪ Barrier imbalance
▪ Dryness or sebum imbalance
▪ Affected root environment
▪ Reduced hair strength and healthy appearance
Close-up scalp and hair-root images (reference images).
NanoActive™ Harpa extends sensitive-skin soothing science to scalp microenvironment care.
HAIR CARE DIRECTION: PATENT-SUPPORTED APPLICATION CONCEPTS
From botanical soothing to root vitality
HENKEL AG & CO. KGAA
Patent WO2008031685A1
Root Extract of Harpagophytum for Stimulating Hair Growth
Published patent concerning devil’s claw root extract for hair applications [4].
▪ Devil’s claw actives appear in hair strengthening and thickening concepts.
▪ The patent addresses root vitality and hair-condition improvement.
▪ Applications include shampoos, conditioners, scalp serums, sprays, lotions and scalp tonics.
▪ Patent examples include formulations with devil’s claw extract.
▪ Studies involve dermal papilla cells and keratinocytes.
▪ The patent discusses advantages of liposomal encapsulation in scalp and hair care products.
These patent-supported development directions provide technical and conceptual references for NanoActive™ Harpa scalp and hair care applications.
Source: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Patent WO2008031685A1 [4].
SCALP DELIVERY
Improving botanical contact with scalp and root surfaces
CONVENTIONAL WATER-SOLUBLE BOTANICAL EXTRACT
▪ Can run off with liquid
▪ Limited surface residence
▪ Potentially uneven distribution
▪ Shorter scalp contact time
NanoActive™ Harpa
FLEXVES™ LIPOSOMAL DELIVERY
▪ Delivery associated with phospholipid vesicles
▪ Improved scalp surface distribution
▪ Enhanced contact with follicular openings
▪ Suitable for leave-on scalp serums and tonics
▪ A modern technology concept for root care
▪ Integration of soothing and root vitality concepts
Liposomal delivery is designed to support retention, uniform distribution and longer contact on the scalp.
SCALP & HAIR PLATFORM
Scalp comfort, root strength and revitalized hair
SCALP COMFORT
▪ Help soothe tightness and discomfort
▪ Improve comfort in irritated scalps
▪ Support scalp barrier balance
ROOT VITALITY
▪ Support a healthy root microenvironment
▪ Suitable for volumizing, strengthening and anti-hair-loss product concepts
▪ Help improve the appearance of thinning and fragile hair
HAIR STRENGTH
▪ Support damaged and fragile hair care
▪ Help improve perceived strength and healthy shine
▪ Suitable for care after coloring and perming
MARKET DIFFERENTIATION
African devil’s claw botanical story · Harpagoside mechanisms · Skin and scalp applications · Nano-liposome technology · Soothing combined with root vitality
Scalp soothing is the starting point for a stronger, fuller-looking hair concept.
SCALP & HAIR PRODUCT CONCEPTS
From daily scalp balance to intensive root care
01 Scalp soothing serum
For tightness, dryness and scalp discomfort.
02 Root vitality serum
For volume, strength and healthy-root concepts.
03 Sensitive-scalp shampoo
Combines gentle cleansing with scalp soothing.
04 Root strengthening conditioner
Supports smoothness and a stronger hair appearance.
05 Scalp repair serum after chemical treatments
Comfort care after coloring, bleaching or perming.
06 Volumizing leave-on spray
Lightweight, non-sticky daily root care.
COMPLEMENTARY INGREDIENT CONCEPTS
Caffeine · Niacinamide · Panthenol · Zinc PCA · Amino acids · Peptides · Ceramides · Botanical antioxidants
NANOACTIVE™ HARPA
African desert resilience translated into beauty care
SOOTHE INFLAMMATORY SIGNALS
A multi-component botanical system centered on harpagoside supports modern skin and scalp soothing concepts.
RESTORE BARRIER RESILIENCE
Third-party instrumental testing of the conventional extract supports positioning for redness care, reduced water loss and barrier recovery.
REVITALIZE THE SCALP
Patent-supported root-care directions and PURISOME® flexible vesicle delivery expand the possibilities for premium scalp and hair products.
NanoActive™ Harpa combines devil’s claw botanical resilience with modern nano-liposome technology in an integrated concept for skin soothing, barrier recovery, scalp balance and root vitality.
NanoActive™ Harpa · Powered by PURISOME® FlexVes™ Liposome Technology
PURIPHARM CO., LTD.
REFERENCES
References and source materials
[1] Huang THW, Tran VH, Duke RK, et al. Harpagoside suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2006;104(1–2):149–155. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.055
[2] Abdelouahab N, Heard C. Effect of the major glycosides of Harpagophytum procumbens on epidermal COX-2 in vitro. Journal of Natural Products. 2008;71(5):746–749. DOI: 10.1021/np070204u
[3] A Novel Ex Vivo Skin Model for the Assessment of the Potential Transcutaneous Anti-inflammatory Effect of Topically Applied Harpagophytum procumbens Extract. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2009.
[4] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Root Extract of Harpagophytum for Stimulating Hair Growth. Patent WO2008031685A1.
[5] Zuplex Botanicals. Rosacalm Product Brochure. 2019.
[6] Dermaconsult GmbH. Third-party instrumental evaluation of skin redness, transepidermal water loss and skin irritation, as summarized in the Rosacalm technical presentation.
[7] European Commission CosIng Database. HARPAGOPHYTUM PROCUMBENS ROOT EXTRACT.