When science makes nature more effective
Plants are small biochemical wonders. Their secondary plant compounds protect them from stress, radiation, and pathogens – and they can do exactly the same in our bodies: regulate inflammation, protect cells, and influence neurotransmitters.
But as powerful as these molecules are, many of them barely reach the places where they are supposed to act.
Why plant active ingredients are often poorly absorbed
The reason lies in their low bioavailability. Many plant compounds – such as curcumin from turmeric, crocins from saffron, or polyphenols from green tea – are fat-soluble, unstable to light, oxygen, or pH value, and are rapidly broken down in the gastrointestinal tract.
This means that only a fraction of the originally ingested amount actually reaches the bloodstream . And even less reaches the target cells.
Bioavailability explained using saffron as an example
The crocins (water-soluble glycosides) contained in saffron are relatively large-molecular carotenoids that are only partially hydrolyzed in the intestine. Only their breakdown products (e.g., crocetin) are truly absorbable. Studies show that after oral ingestion of crocin, only a small proportion (< 10%) is detectable as crocetin in plasma (Asai et al., 2005). It was shown here that crocin itself is hardly absorbed, while crocetin only appears in low micromolar concentrations in the blood
Safranal, the volatile aroma molecule, on the other hand, is lipophilic and very unstable. When administered orally, it is rapidly metabolized and oxidized before it reaches the circulation in significant amounts (Hosseinzadeh et al., 2013).
Even when compared to other fat-soluble plant compounds, pharmacokinetic models for lipophilic carotenoids typically show oral bioavailability in the range of 1–10%, depending on the matrix and formulation (Failla et al., 2008). Saffron bioactives behave biochemically similarly.
The Solution: MiLi Pure™ – Micellar Liquid Technology
The MiLi Pure™ system is a liposomal liquid technology that embeds plant active ingredients in tiny micelles. Micelles are microscopic transport spheres that envelop, stabilize, and make the active ingredient water-soluble. This protects the bioactive molecules, efficiently transports them through the intestinal wall, and absorbs them into the bloodstream – similar to how the body transports fat-soluble vitamins.
With MiLi Pure™, bioavailability can be increased many times over – without artificial additives, but through a biomimetic technology that is based on natural processes in the body.
How MiLi Pure™ Works
The plant active ingredient (in our case, the saffron extract SAFFR’ACTIV®) is embedded in microscopically small lipid micelles, a process also known as encapsulation. This shell protects sensitive molecules from oxidation and decomposition. The micelles merge with the cell membranes in the intestine, allowing the active ingredient to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The active ingredient is evenly distributed in the body and can act at its target sites – in the case of saffron, primarily in the brain, where it modulates serotonin and dopamine metabolism.
The advantages at a glance
- Higher bioavailability compared to conventional capsules or powders
- Faster onset of action – initial effects can be noticeable after just a few days
- Gentle absorption without stomach irritation
- Stability against light, oxygen, and pH value
- Liquid formulation for easy, flexible dosing
Why this is so important
The body can only use what it can absorb. MiLi Pure™ technology ensures that you don't just take saffron – but actually experience its full effect: more emotional balance, inner calm, better sleep, and a stable mood.
Because technology and nature are not mutually exclusive – they complement each other. This is exactly what YouLabs stands for: modern science that makes the best of nature available.
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