MCC is a form of connective tissue recognized as metabolically active and relevant to aging. It closely resembles fetal mesenchyme, the primordial tissue from which muscle, bone, tendons, ligaments, skin, fat and bone marrow all develop. MCC works in the body by stimulating the immune system. Its immunoaugmenting properties may act to stimulate growth factors and increase the local immune response.
It has been demonstrated that the components of MCC are of low molecular weight since they can be absorbed through the intestinal wall. It has also been demonstrated that topical applications penetrate the reticular layer of the dermis. Many cosmeceutical products on the market today do not live up to their manufacturers' claims because the molecules of oil and water complexes that are connected by soap stearates, which can also be irritants, are physically too large to penetrate the skin to any degree. Replacing the soap stearate with a mucopolysaccharide solves both problems by serving as a
non-irritating transfer mechanism into the dermal layers.
Formulations of topical MCC-based products play an important role in treatment from a therapeutic point of view. The vehicle controls the release, penetration and ultimately the bioavailability of the primary ingredient, with the deep-layer effect enhanced by increasing occlusion. The vehicle also exerts a pronounced effect on the epidermis in terms of
hydration, lubrication, drying, skin smoothness and protection. Donell products have been formulated by prominent chemists with the above considerations at the forefront to maximize the efficient release of the MCC
material into the skin.
Other Pharmacological Properties
Anti-mitotic
MCC inhibits the growth of cells in culture. This is not a toxic effect. The cells remain viable, but unable to divide. This property manifests itself in vito as both an anti-cancer (cytostatic) and anti-psoriatic effect.
Immune Stimulatory - B lymphocytes
When administered to experimental animals, MCC increases the activity of antibody forming B lymphocytes. This results in an increase in the amount of disease fighting antibodies circulating in the blood and tissues.
Immune Stimulatory - T lymphocytes
Patients who have received MCC show a dramatic increase in the activity of their T lymphocytes. The T lymphocytes identify the cancer as "foreign",
i.e., not belonging to the class of normal tissues of the body. These cells could then become cytostatic and could destroy the cancer, as they would with any other foreign tissue.
Anti-angiogenic
MCC can inhibit angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) without affecting the status of previously existing blood vessels. This selective action reiterates the lack of toxicity of the material. The inhibition of blood vessel growth may make it unique anti-cancer drug since the growth of tumors requires an ever-expanding blood supply which is cut off by the MCC.