Finland's vast green forests are known to be restful. So relaxing that they can even treat illnesses.
That's according to Uute Scientific, a biotech company based in Helsinki. The company has developed a unique remedy: a microbial extract that recreates Finnish nature. Today the startup presented new evidence of the organism's powers.
The extract targets a growing health problem. The immune system, says Uute, is weakened by urbanization and excessive hygiene. As a result, city dwellers are more likely to suffer from many allergic, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
The biodiversity could give your body a boost. Unfortunately, the benefits are not always immediately available. But apparently you can put them in a pot.
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Uute extract combines plant material and compost to restore Finland's microbial biodiversity. The fertile soil, the pure water and the clean air merge into a new substance. Uute calls the product Reconnecting Nature (RCN).
To test the benefits, Uute examined the effects of RCTs on atopic dermatitis – the most common form of eczema. The results suggest that the treatment actually works.
Finnish nature vs. eczema
The study team recruited 142 participants with neurodermatitis. Half of them received an RCT lotion while the other half received a placebo.
Both groups applied the lotion in addition to their desired conventional medications. After seven months, Uute measured the effects on her skin.
According to the startup, it is the RCT lotion strengthens the skin's protective barrier. It also prevented irritation.
The benefits are amplified in the winter, when many eczema sufferers find their skin itches more. In the placebo group, however, the deterioration was significant.
Significantly, the RCT group also felt a lower need for conventional treatment. At the beginning of winter, 49% of them were taking atopic medications. In the placebo group the value jumped to 77%.
Uute CEO Kari Sinivuori said the results prove RCT has real health benefits.
“For the first time in the world, we were able to show that contact with nature helps people who already suffer from an immune-mediated disease,” Sinivuori told TNW.
There may be a large market for the treatment. Over 200 million people worldwide live with atopic dermatitis. Current medications can have many side effects. RCT could provide a compelling alternative.
But for Uute, atopic Eczema is just the beginning.
“Other immune-mediated diseases such as various allergies, asthma, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s should also benefit from this.” said Blue Mountain.
Uute Scientific is part of a new wave of healthcare technology Change treatment options. You can find out everything about them next year TNW Conference, which just announced six new topics for the event. Early birds can buy now 2-for-1 tickets to the event.
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