Panthenol

The Uses of Panthenol

panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) acts as a penetrating moisturizer. Panthenol appears to stimulate cellular proliferation and aid in tissue repair. Studies indicate that when topically applied, panthenol penetrates the skin and gets converted into pantothenic acid, a B complex vitamin. Such action could possibly influence the skin’s natural resources of pantothenic acid. It imparts a nonirritant, non-sensitizing, moisturizing, and conditioning feel and promotes normal keratinization and wound-healing. Panthenol protects the skin against sunburn, provides relief for existing sunburn, and enhances the natural tanning process. Panthenol’s humectant character enables it to hold water in the product or attract water from the environment, resulting in a moisturizing effect. It enhances skin suppleness, and claims are that it also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is considered a non-comedogenic raw material.

The Uses of Panthenol

vitamin B5 precursor, radioprotectant, antimalarial

The Uses of Panthenol

DL-Panthenol is used in the topical treatment of skin disorders, such as minor irritations and skin burns. Also used in the strengthening and treatment of hair.

Indications

Panthenol (containing a racemic mixture of dexpanthenol and levopanthenol) is not currently available in any FDA-approved products and therefore does not have an indication.
Please see Dexpanthenol for FDA-approved uses of the dextrorotatory form of Panthenol.

Background

Panthenol is an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, a component of the B complex vitamins and an essential component of a normally functioning epithelium. Panthenol exists as a racemic mixture containing both the dextrorotatory form (dexpanthenol) and the levorotatory form (levopanthenol). While pantothenic acid is optically active, only the dextrorotatory form (Dexpanthenol) is biologically active.
Dexpanthenol, the active form of panthenol, is enzymatically cleaved to form pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which is an essential component of Coenzyme A that acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions that are important for protein metabolism in the epithelium .
Due to its good penetration and high local concentrations, dexpanthanol is used in many topical products, such as ointments and lotions for treatment of dermatological conditions to relieve itching or promote healing. Dermatological effects of the topical use of dexpanthenol include increased fibroblast proliferation and accelerated re-epithelialization in wound healing. Furthermore, it acts as a topical protectant, moisturizer, and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties .

General Description

Panthenol is an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, a component of the B complex vitamins and an essential component of a normally functioning epithelium. Panthenol exists in two optically active forms, both of which are used in pharmaceutical preparations. While pantothenic acid is optically active, only the dextrorotatory form is biologically active. Dexpanthenol, the active form of panthenol, is enzymatically cleaved to form pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which is an essential component of Coenzyme A that acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions that are important for protein metabolism in the epithelium.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Pharmacokinetics

Pantothenic acid is a precursor of coenzyme A, which serves as a cofactor for a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving transfer of acetyl groups. The final step in the synthesis of acetylcholine consists of the choline acetylase transfer of acetyl group from acetylcoenzyme A to choline. Acetylcholine is the neurohumoral transmitter in the parasympathetic system and as such maintains the normal functions of the intestine. Decrease in acetylcholine content would result in decreased peristalsis and in extreme cases adynamic ileus.

Metabolism