About LYCD or BioDyne
Classified by the FDA as a wound-healing agent, LYCD (also called Biodyne), is a skin respiratory factor that helps skin cells to promote the healing process through the uptake of oxygen.
It was patented by Dr.Sperti in 1939, who named it Biodyne because it stimulates healthy cell growth. The word Biodyne comes from the Greek words bios (life) and dyne (force).
BioDyne and the Theory of Cell Injury
When cells experience injury or destruction, some will produce hormones which stimulate cellular multiplication so that the tissues heal. It’s like a community picking up the pieces to help an individual in trouble. Dr Sperti’s group, who discovered Biodyne, found that they were able to isolate a ‘reproductive stimulating substance’ from the dead tissue. They were able to isolate three distinct substances:
- Those that accelerate the cellular metabolism of sugar
- Those that stimulate growth and reproduction
- Those that stimulate cell reproduction.
Collectively, these substances were named Biodynes.
Further research at the University of Cininnati demonstrated that biodynes could be extracted from heated yeast cells. This type of biodyne is called Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD) and contains nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, minerals, carbohydrates, nucleic acid and other gene products. The active ingredient has even been isolated as a protein fraction containing a mixture of several peptides one of which is a peptide fraction that stimulates wound healing. Biodyne is known to be biologically active on skin cells. Cinical studies from the Cincinnati Burn Unit and Oregon University School of Medicine show that Biodyne speeds wound healing in burns and post surgically.
Biodynes (LYCD) are also known as Skin Respiratory Factor and Tissue Respiratory Factor.
Can LYCD Relieve Puffy Eyes?
Though not clinically proven, anecdotal evidence suggests that LYCD can help to relieve puffy bags under the eyes. And some individuals report a reduction wrinkles. Research will help to either consolidate or discount these claims. In the meantime, LYCD may be found in Preparation H, but only from Canada. The US version of preparation does not contain LYCD.
I have been reading about LYCD and Prep H and am really disappointed that the FDA has banned live yeast cell derivatives. What nonsense! Why doesn’t the FDA do something useful for us instead of putting up barriers???
I tried Botox one time, and later read about the side effects. I feel very fortunate that my eyelids did not droop, or that I did not die!
Let me know more about LYCD, please.
Hi Natalie
LYCD is a peptide – peptides are known for their wound healing properties as well as ability to boost collagen production.
Other peptide containing products that you may be interested in are:
Neostrata Wrinkle Repair (https://www.pharmacymix.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=4646&&)
UltimaSkin Alpha Lipoic Acid Serum (https://www.pharmacymix.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=4713&&)
I just bought some Prep. H with Biodyne, since I’ve heard it helps with puffy eyes and possibly dark cycles under the eyes as well. But now that I have the product, I’m worried I will use it incorrectly (since it originally isn’t made for this use, and the package doesn’t include instructions about applying it around the eyes). Do you have any advice in regards to the correct way to apply the cream around the eyes? How often should I apply it?
Thanks for your time and help!
To Chantal
Customers who use the Preparation H apply it either once or twice daily. As with any new skin care product, it is wise to perform a patch test first to ensure that your skin tolerates the product.
Is the effect cumulative or does it work topically?
For Patty: you wanted to know if the active ingredients in Canadian Preparation H act immediately to tighten sagging skin and wrinkles, or if the effect is cumulative. As it acts as a collagen booster, the LYCD in this product will take several weeks to support the intracellular connections which make for younger looking skin. So don’t expect immediate results! Thanks for asking, Sharmani
I have been hearing that the Canadian Preparation H, not sure if it is gel or cream works for shrinking tummy fat. I am assuming if this work it must be temporary? They have been putting it on their belly, wrapping in plastic wrap then an ace bandage. Does this really work?
For Sheila:
That’s a new one for us! We haven’t heard of Preparation H being used to shrink tummy fat so, unfortunately, we’re not able to comment on whether it is effective or not.
Best, Sharmani
I am wondering about dosing. Preparation H with Bio-Dyne comes in 25g, 50g, and 75g. What is the lowest effective minimum dosage?
For Judith,
Preparation H contains 1% BioDyne. Although this cream is manufactured in 25g, 50g and 75g tubes, we currently only carry the 50g size.
Best, Sharmani
Hi, is hydrolized yeast the same as LYCD. Thanks
For Jo,
As far as we know, hydrolyzed yeast is a form of yeast that has gone through a process that breaks down the chemical bonds of a molecule by adding water. The result is yeast fragments. Preparation H contains a specific type of yeast known as Live Yeast Cell Derivative – LYCD (or Bio-dyne). Data suggests that LYCD accelerates wound healing and is biologically active on skin cells. Without knowing the source or components of the hydrolyzed yeast there is no way that we’d be able to tell if it contained LYCD or not. Your best bet would be to check with the manufacturer of the hydrolyzed yeast you are interested in.
Best, Sharmani
The Yeast sounds great, but we are literally hunting sharks and other species to extinction. It would be nice to have the cream formulated to include LYCD but not the shark liver oil, as it is heartbreaking what we have done to these (and other) creatures.
If there is another product that contains LYCD but not shark liver oil or other animal byproducts, I’d love to use it. Sharmani’s post is very good…
Quite recently, a scientific study compared human cells to yeast cells. Probably not the first study, but NPR did an interesting report on it. I can imagine there are probably implications for healing with yeast in many ways.
http://www.npr.org/2015/03/09/391795441/speeding-up-yeast-s-evolution-and-what-it-says-about-cancer
For Kari,
Thanks for your blog comment. You may have noticed that the formula for Preparation H Cream changed a number of years ago and does not contain shark liver oil. It does still contain the active ingredient BioDyne, however.
Best, Sharmani
Sheila said,
June 5, 2013 @ 6:47 pm
I have been hearing that the Canadian Preparation H, not sure if it is gel or cream works for shrinking tummy fat. I am assuming if this work it must be temporary? They have been putting it on their belly, wrapping in plastic wrap then an ace bandage. Does this really work?
Hello I am responding to this comment. When I read this I was very surprised. This has been my secret to get my belly back to it’s original size after having babies. I do have to add I used Preparation H ointment. I did not receive the same results with the cream. What I did was rub the ointment on the targeted area, basically whole stomach, and I added cornstarch on top of the ointment, the plastic wrapped will make it very sweating so I used the cornstarch to avoid a rash. Then start wrapping away all the way around. I did about 4 or 5 times around to make sure with the movement of my daily duties didn’t mess up the plastic wrap. I did this in the morning throughout my day. At dinner time I removed the plastic showered. 3 nights out of the week I would do the same thing and sleep with myself wrapped. It worked for me every time after all my kids. I’m pretty sure I must have used the preparation H they don’t sell in the US because my youngest is 13yrs. I have heard it being said it’s only temporary fix, it will ruin ur skin or skin cells or what you. I never had any bad luck or bad reactions to what I explained i did above. The temporary fix everyone says, I can’t confirm for everyone. With a good diet and your daily routine it did wonders for me in 8 weeks after the kids. I noticed shrinking about the beginning of the second week. One another note, my brother let me in on this secret 19 years ago when he came back from the military. He left for boot camp weighing 290 and 6 months later when he returned home at 170. He said that’s what they did. He said unlimited tubes of Preparation H ointment and a plastic exercise whole body suit with a workout. So that’s my secret and how I know about it.
For Deanna,
Thank you for your comments.
As mentioned before, as no studies have been done specifically involving BioDyne and body fat, we are not able to comment on its effectiveness.
Best, Sharmani
Is the ointment ok to go on my face? I had a tube shipped from Canada by a Facebook acquaintance and while it goes on greasy, when I apply it at night it is totally absorbed by the am. It would be a huge hassle to get a tube of the cream as I have no credit card; we made a trade for some of my jewelry. Please say it is ok and will work the same! Thanks
For Tara:
Both Preparation H Cream and Preparation H Ointment have the same active ingredient, 1.0% BioDyne. Most of our customers, however, find the cream to have a more appealing texture when using it for wrinkles and under-eye puffiness. The choice between the cream and the ointment comes down to personal preference. As it is being used for purposes that are not indicated by the manufacturer, unfortunately, we are unable to give you any specific advice regarding its use.
Best, Sharmani
Where can I purchase pure Biodyne or LYCD?
Dear Ms Doe
Biodyne or LYCD is found in Preparation H Cream and may be purchased at our online store here https://phamix.com/product/preparationhcreamwithbiodyne/. I hope that this information is what you are looking for.
Do both the cream and the ointment contain shark liver oil as well as LYCE/ boodyne like the original Preperation H?
Hello Lucy,
Thank you for your blog comment.
Preparation H Cream and Preparation H ointment no longer contain shark oil. However, they continue to contain the active ingredient LYCE/biodyne.
Best,
Sharmani