The Science Behind nailKALM®: A Natural Solution for Nail Fungus
Natural Treatment for Toenail Fungus with Proven Results
nailKALM® offers a safe, natural treatment for toenail fungus powered by AMYCOT®—an organic, non-toxic active ingredient derived from Spirulina. This unique antifungal treatment penetrates the fungal cell wall, destroying the fungus and promoting natural nail health. With clinical studies and real-world success stories, nailKALM® is trusted by podiatrists as a natural solution to eliminate nail fungus effectively.
AMYCOT®: A Natural Solution to Kill Nail Fungus
AMYCOT® is a powerful natural ingredient derived from Arthrospira maxima (Spirulina), a naturally occurring
micro algae (cyanobacterium). The biosource of this product has its origin in one of the earliest forms of plant
life on our planet earth.
It is a microscopic, water borne, single cell plant that has been used for centuries as a highly nutritious source
of food containing very high levels of essential vitamins and anti-oxidants.
The anti-fungal activity of AMYCOT® is due to a putative enzymatic action that destroys the chitin/chitosan
polymers found in the fungal cell wall. Damage to the polymers causes the fungal walls to collapse, eventually
killing the fungus.
Tests have shown nailKALM® stimulate the growth of the skin derived cells such as keratinocytes thus,
enhancing skin, nail and hair growth. nailKALM® is naturally derived, and non-sensitising.
How AMYCOT® Was Discovered
The discovery of AMYCOT® emerged from a New Zealand scientist's dedicated research into natural bioactives—compounds produced by living organisms that impact other organisms. Inspired by the success of bioactive agents like penicillin, the scientist sought a natural antifungal alternative to chemical treatments for use in industries prone to fungal contamination.
This research began with testing various algae and Cyanobacteria, leading to a breakthrough with a particular strain of Spirulina, known as Arthrospira maxima.
This strain exhibited potent antifungal properties, though not all strains proved equally effective. Further studies revealed that AMYCOT®’s unique enzymatic action could break down the cell walls of fungal organisms, effectively killing them without the need for harsh chemicals.
This discovery led to the development of nailKALM®, a natural treatment for toenail fungus that leverages the power of AMYCOT® to offer a safe, non-toxic solution for eliminating nail fungus and promoting healthy nails.
Clinical Trials Results
Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nailKALM® in treating nail fungus, with results showing significant improvement in a majority of cases. These trials highlight nailKALM® as a reliable, scientifically-backed solution for those seeking an effective, natural treatment for nail fungus.
Investigator-initiated clinical trial (NY-based podiatrist, USA 2006)
Proven efficacy with 50 patient trial (including 15 patients with Type 2 diabetes) who had tinea and
onychomycosis in a 90-day trial. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 72 years of age. The subjects were
treated over a period of 90 days with 8% AMYCOT® lotion (equivalent to the current dose in nailKALM®). In all
classes studied, an average of 80% of the fungal nails applied with 8% Amycot lotion demonstrated an
improvement of one full class. An average of 15% demonstrated an improvement of two full classes. A
remainder of 5% demonstrated either full recovery or remained unchanged. (Ref 1 below).
Investigator-initiated clinical trials (Drs. MG & AM Freeman, Australia, 2011, Australian College of Dermatology)
Cured 7 out of 10 Onychomycosis subjects, with nailKALM® after 3 month treatment and an additional subject after 6 months. (Ref 2 below).
Phase II Clinical Trial (ACUNOVA India 2010/12)
A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel, single centre, efficacy and safety study on 28 subjects with tinea (14) and onychomycosis (10) showing significant efficacy over placebo with overall mycological cure rate of 92% against combined tinea/onychomycosis infections (severe to very severe). Onychomycosis subjects (5/5) treated with nailKALM® had 100% mycological and clinical cure rates while none of the subjects receiving placebo were cured (0/5) after 3 months treatment and another 3 months follow-up. (Ref 3 below).
How nailKALM® Works
nailKALM® works by targeting the structure of fungal cells. The AMYCOT® ingredient in nailKALM® breaks down chitin and chitosan polymers in the fungal cell walls, leading to their collapse and death. This natural process eliminates the fungus at its source without harmful chemicals, making it a safe and natural antifungal treatment for toenail fungus.
Proof of Efficacy — Efficacious anti-fungal activity
An in vitro efficacy trial was undertaken by an independent TGA licensed testing laboratory, ConMac Laboratory Services, Queensland in 2003 to compare the efficacy of AMYCOT® with established proprietary products containing various actives.
The trials confirmed that preparations containing AMYCOT show comparable efficacy with proprietary products and actives tested against test fungi and yeasts in vitro. It should be noted that in vitro results do not always translate to clinical results.
In addition to biochemical techniques, Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) was employed to investigate the mode of action of the bioactive against common dermatophytes that cause fungal conditions in humans, using in vitro and in vivo models.
A lawn of Trichoderma viride, a vigorous predator of Ascomycete fungi that preys on other fungi, was grown then sprayed with AMYCOT®.
Figure 1: Photo showing normal growth morphology of Trichoderma Viride.
Figure 2: AMYCOT® digestion of Trichoderma Viride after 24 hours showing complete digestion of the fungal cell wall leading to the formation of inert protoplasts.
Figure 3: AMYCOT® digestion of Trichoderma Viride after 5 days showing that all that is left is a mass of dry cytoplasmic matter.
(Figures 1-3) taken before spraying and at 1-day and 5-day intervals following application demonstrate graphic evidence of the rapid and complete destruction of fungi by AMYCOT®.
Zoe* had a fungal nail infection that covered two thirds of her toenail. Four weeks after using nailKALM® twice daily a scraping was taken and no live fungi were present. Two months after treatment stopped, the damaged nail had grown out and had been replaced by a new healthy nail.
*Changed for privacy reasons
References:
1. Data in file.
2. Freeman AM and Freeman MG. Nailkalm (Arthrospira maxima) for the treatment of dermatophyte nail infections. Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2011:52 Suppl 1:25.
3. Data in file. This trial has been registered with the clinical trial registry - India (CTRI; registration number: CTRI/2012/03/002522). Manuscript in preparation.
4. Data in file.
