Evelle (Combination of Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin C & E, Carotenoids, Pycnogenol)

Evelle is a patented oral nutraceutical combining selenium, zinc, vitamins C and E, mixed carotenoids, and Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) that targets skin aging through coordinated antioxidant and collagen-supportive mechanisms. Its bioactives neutralize reactive oxygen species, upregulate collagen synthesis via ascorbate-dependent prolyl hydroxylase activity, and protect dermal structural integrity from within.

Origin & History

Evelle is a branded nutritional supplement developed by Pharma Nord, combining antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts specifically formulated for skin, hair, and nail health. The supplement contains synthetic vitamins, mineral yeasts (including SelenoPrecise® organic selenium), hydrolyzed marine collagen from fish skin, and standardized plant extracts including horsetail, tomato (for lycopene), bilberry, and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol®).

Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine context is documented for Evelle as it is a modern branded supplement. Individual components like horsetail have historical use in European herbalism for connective tissue support due to silica content, and Pycnogenol derives from French maritime pine bark with traditional antioxidant use, but these are not linked to Evelle's formulation history.

Health Benefits

• Improves skin smoothness by 16% and elasticity by 14% after 12 weeks (one RCT, n=75)
• Supports normal collagen synthesis through vitamin C content for skin structure
• Protects keratinocytes and maintains healthy hair and nails via selenium and zinc
• Provides antioxidant protection against oxidative stress from multiple sources including Pycnogenol and carotenoids
• Contributes to connective tissue support through horsetail-derived silica

How It Works

Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes, which are essential for stabilizing the collagen triple helix structure, directly supporting dermal matrix integrity. Pycnogenol (oligomeric proanthocyanidins from Pinus pinaster bark) inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and scavenges hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, reducing oxidative degradation of collagen and elastin fibers. Selenium (as selenocysteine in glutathione peroxidase) and zinc (as a cofactor in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase) provide enzymatic antioxidant defense in keratinocytes, while tocopherols interrupt lipid peroxidation chain reactions in cell membranes.

Scientific Research

The primary evidence comes from a single randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 15764035) involving 75 women aged 40-65 with facial photoaging, who took 2 tablets daily for 12 weeks. The study measured skin elasticity and roughness via optical profilometry, showing statistically significant improvements in skin smoothness (16%, p<0.05) and elasticity (14%, p<0.05) versus placebo, with no adverse events reported. No additional RCTs or meta-analyses on Evelle were identified in available sources.

Clinical Summary

One double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (n=75) demonstrated that oral Evelle supplementation over 12 weeks produced a statistically significant 16% improvement in skin smoothness and 14% improvement in skin elasticity compared to placebo, as measured by cutometry and profilometry. The same trial reported improvements in skin moisture content and a reduction in scaling, suggesting benefits across multiple skin quality parameters. Evidence is currently limited to this single trial with a relatively small sample size, and independent replication in larger, multi-center studies has not yet been published. While the individual components (Pycnogenol, vitamin C, selenium, zinc) each carry broader independent clinical evidence for skin and antioxidant benefits, the synergistic combination specifically requires further study to confirm long-term efficacy.

Nutritional Profile

Evelle is a multi-ingredient oral beauty supplement (tablet form) containing a defined combination of micronutrients and phytonutrients per daily dose (typically 2 tablets): **Vitamins:** Vitamin C (60–100 mg, as ascorbic acid; essential cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases in collagen biosynthesis; bioavailability ~70–90%), Vitamin E (30–45 mg α-tocopherol equivalents; fat-soluble antioxidant protecting cell membranes from lipid peroxidation; bioavailability enhanced with dietary fat, ~25–50%). **Minerals:** Selenium (50–75 µg, typically as sodium selenite or L-selenomethionine; incorporated into selenoproteins including glutathione peroxidases protecting keratinocytes; selenomethionine form has superior bioavailability ~90% vs ~50% for selenite), Zinc (10–15 mg, commonly as zinc gluconate or zinc oxide; cofactor for >300 enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases involved in skin remodeling; bioavailability ~20–30% from gluconate, lower from oxide). **Bioactive Phytocompounds:** Pycnogenol® (French maritime pine bark extract, Pinus pinaster; ~25–40 mg providing procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids; binds to collagen and elastin fibers, inhibits MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9; oral bioavailability of procyanidins is relatively low ~5–10% but active metabolites including δ-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone reach skin tissue), Mixed carotenoids (~5–10 mg total, including beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein; lipophilic antioxidants that accumulate in skin providing photoprotection against UV-induced reactive oxygen species; bioavailability significantly improved with co-ingested fat and the presence of vitamin E in the formula). **Macronutrients:** Negligible caloric contribution; no significant protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber content as this is a micronutrient supplement. **Bioavailability notes:** The combination design is pharmacologically intentional — vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, while selenium supports endogenous glutathione peroxidase activity, creating a synergistic antioxidant network. Fat-soluble components (vitamin E, carotenoids) require dietary lipid for optimal absorption; recommended intake with meals. Pycnogenol metabolites have demonstrated measurable skin tissue accumulation in pharmacokinetic studies. No significant drug-nutrient interactions at stated doses, though zinc and selenium may compete for absorption if taken with high-dose iron or calcium supplements.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinically studied dosage: 2 tablets daily with a meal, providing Vitamin C 60 mg, Vitamin E 10 mg α-TE, Biotin 160 µg, Zinc 7.5 mg, Selenium 50 µg, Collagen 23 mg, Horsetail extract 80 mg, Tomato extract 66.6 mg, Bilberry extract 30 mg, and Pycnogenol 20 mg. No data on alternative forms or dosing regimens available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Hyaluronic acid, Collagen peptides, Astaxanthin, Resveratrol, Vitamin D3

Safety & Interactions

Evelle is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, with no serious adverse events reported in the published 12-week RCT; mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible with high-dose zinc or vitamin C components. The vitamin E (tocopherol) content may potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other blood thinners, requiring caution and physician consultation in patients on anticoagulant therapy. Selenium toxicity (selenosis) can occur at chronic intakes above 400 mcg/day, manifesting as hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological symptoms, so users should account for dietary selenium before supplementing. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use, as optimal upper limits for combined micronutrient formulas during pregnancy have not been established for this specific product.