Home Ingredients ActriSave™ (Black Rice & Prickly Pear Hair Complex)
Hair, Skin & NailsAntioxidant

ActriSave™ (Black Rice & Prickly Pear Hair Complex)

Oryza sativa / Opuntia ficus-indica
Evidence Level
Limited
3 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

ActriSave™ is a branded oral extract from Bionap (Italy) that pairs black rice (Oryza sativa) anthocyanins with prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) flower flavonoids, standardized to roughly 4.5–5.5% anthocyanins (as cyanidin-3-glucoside) and 1–2% isorhamnetin. It is marketed for male hair support and blemish-prone skin, on the rationale that anthocyanins and cactus-flower flavonoids protect hair dermal papilla cells and sebocytes from oxidative and androgen stress. Honest framing: Bionap's own clinical trial on ActriSave has not been indexed in PubMed, so the strongest verifiable evidence is mechanistic work on its key component (cyanidin-3-glucoside) in androgenetic alopecia rather than large independent trials of the finished branded blend.

Studied Dose 250 mg/day of ActriSave™ (the dose used in branded hair products such as Life Extension's Hair Growth for Men). Take with food.
Active Compound Black rice (Oryza sativa) anthocyanins standardized to 4.5–5.5% as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, plus prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) flower flavonoids standardized to 1–2% isorhamnetin and derivatives. ActriSave™ is manufactured by Bionap.

Benefits

Hair follicle support and hair life cycle (manufacturer trial)

Bionap reports a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which ActriSave protected hair follicles and improved the hair life cycle in men. Honest framing: this trial is not PubMed-indexed, so it should be weighted as manufacturer evidence rather than independently verified data.

Supported by Trial 1

Anthocyanin support against androgen (DHT) stress

ActriSave's black rice fraction is standardized to cyanidin-3-glucoside. Independent mechanistic studies show this anthocyanin alleviates androgenetic alopecia and that anthocyanins suppress DHT-induced senescence of hair dermal papilla cells — the cells that govern follicle growth. This is the most credible part of ActriSave's rationale.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Antioxidant support for skin and scalp

Both black rice anthocyanins and prickly pear flavonoids are antioxidants; prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) supplementation has been shown to enhance antioxidant status in humans. ActriSave is also marketed for sebum-prone, blemish-prone skin on this antioxidant basis.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Food-derived and generally well tolerated

Both source plants are foods (rice and cactus fruit/flower), giving the blend a reassuring safety background, though long-term data on the concentrated extract specifically are limited.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Anthocyanin antioxidant and anti-androgen activity

Cyanidin-based anthocyanins scavenge reactive oxygen species and, per mechanistic studies, blunt DHT-driven stress signaling in dermal papilla cells, helping protect the follicle from androgen-mediated miniaturization.

2

Cactus-flower flavonoid contribution

Opuntia ficus-indica flower flavonoids (isorhamnetin and derivatives) add antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that Bionap proposes acts synergistically with the black-rice anthocyanins in sebocytes and dermal papilla cells.

3

Sebocyte modulation

The marketed skin benefit is attributed to modulation of sebocyte oxidative stress, which is why ActriSave is positioned for both hair and blemish-prone skin.

Clinical trials

1
Branded ActriSave Androgenetic Alopecia RCT (manufacturer)

Bionap-sponsored randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in men with androgenetic alopecia. Not PubMed-indexed.

Men with androgenetic alopecia

Bionap reports that ActriSave protected hair follicles and improved the hair life cycle versus placebo, with the extract characterized at 4.5–5.5% anthocyanins and 1–2% isorhamnetin. Because the publication is not indexed in PubMed, treat this as manufacturer evidence pending independent replication.

2
Cyanidin-3-glucoside in androgenetic alopecia (component mechanism)

Hu X et al., European Journal of Pharmacology, 2024. Mechanistic/preclinical.

Preclinical (cell and animal models)

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside — the principal anthocyanin standardized in ActriSave's black rice fraction — alleviated androgenetic alopecia in model systems, supporting the biological plausibility of the branded blend.

3
Anthocyanin and DHT-induced dermal papilla senescence

Jung YH et al., Journal of Biomedical Science, 2022. Mechanistic.

Human hair dermal papilla cells

A cyanidin glycoside suppressed DHT-induced senescence of hair dermal papilla cells, providing direct mechanistic support for how black-rice anthocyanins may protect follicles from androgen stress.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated; both black rice and prickly pear are foods.
Mild gastrointestinal upset possible with concentrated polyphenol intake.
Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible in those sensitive to rice or cactus products.
Long-term safety data for the concentrated branded extract specifically are limited.
Pregnancy/lactation: not enough specific safety data for the concentrated extract; precautionary avoidance is reasonable.

Important Drug interactions

Antidiabetic medications: prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) can lower blood glucose; combined use may have additive effects — monitor blood sugar.
Anticoagulants/antiplatelets: high-dose polyphenols/anthocyanins carry a theoretical mild bleeding-risk interaction.
Iron supplements: separate dosing by 2+ hours, as polyphenols can bind non-heme iron and reduce its absorption.
Overall a low-interaction profile based on the food origin of both components.

Featured in these supplement guides

Hair Loss→

More Hair, Skin & Nails Ingredients

Cardiovascular
Niacin
Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential water-soluble vitamin central to energy metabolism, DN…
Cardiovascular
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an…
Immune Support
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble essential nutrient that humans cannot synth…
Immune Support
Zinc
Zinc, an essential trace mineral, is commonly supplemented in forms like zinc gluconate, a…

Explore Other Ingredients

Hair, Skin & Nails
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, primarily found in connect…
Cognitive
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in cold northern regions to comba…
Antioxidant
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a powerful red-orange antioxidant carotenoid best known for its anti-inflam…

Frequently asked questions about ActriSave™ (Black Rice & Prickly Pear Hair Complex)

What is ActriSave made of?

ActriSave (by Bionap) is an oral blend of black rice (Oryza sativa) anthocyanins and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) flower flavonoids, standardized to about 4.5–5.5% anthocyanins as cyanidin-3-glucoside and 1–2% isorhamnetin. It is used in men's hair-growth supplements and for blemish-prone skin.

Does ActriSave actually work for hair?

Bionap reports a placebo-controlled trial showing follicle protection, but that trial is not indexed in PubMed, so it counts as manufacturer evidence. The stronger, independent support is mechanistic: cyanidin-3-glucoside (its main anthocyanin) eases androgenetic alopecia and protects DHT-stressed dermal papilla cells in laboratory studies. Promising, but not yet proven by large independent trials.

Is ActriSave safe?

It is generally well tolerated because both ingredients are foods. The main practical caution is that prickly pear can lower blood sugar, so people on diabetes medication should monitor glucose, and it is best separated from iron supplements.

What is ActriSave?

ActriSave™ is a branded oral extract from Bionap (Italy) that pairs black rice (Oryza sativa) anthocyanins with prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) flower flavonoids, standardized to roughly 4.5–5.5% anthocyanins (as cyanidin-3-glucoside) and 1–2% isorhamnetin.

What is ActriSave used for?

ActriSave is researched primarily for Hair, Skin & Nails and Antioxidant. Bionap reports a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which ActriSave protected hair follicles and improved the hair life cycle in men.

What is the recommended dosage of ActriSave?

The clinically studied dose is 250 mg/day of ActriSave™ (the dose used in branded hair products such as Life Extension's Hair Growth for Men). Take with food. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is ActriSave safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, ActriSave is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well tolerated; both black rice and prickly pear are foods. Mild gastrointestinal upset possible with concentrated polyphenol intake. It may also interact with some medications. ActriSave is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does ActriSave interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antidiabetic medications: prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) can lower blood glucose; combined use may have additive effects — monitor blood sugar. Anticoagulants/antiplatelets: high-dose polyphenols/anthocyanins carry a theoretical mild bleeding-risk interaction. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for ActriSave?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for ActriSave as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Hu X, Li X, Wu S, Jiang X, Chen G, Hu Y, et al. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and its derivative vitisin A alleviate androgenetic alopecia by exerting anti-androgen effect and inhibiting dermal papilla cell apoptosis. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2024;963:176237. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176237.PubMedUsed to support: Mechanistic study showing cyanidin-3-O-glucoside — the principal anthocyanin standardized in ActriSave's black rice fraction — alleviates androgenetic alopecia, supporting the component rationale even though ActriSave's own branded trial is not PubMed-indexed.
  2. Jung YH, Chae CW, Choi GE, Shin HC, Lim JR, Chang HS, et al. Cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside suppresses DHT-induced dermal papilla cell senescence by modulating p38-dependent ER-mitochondria contacts. Journal of Biomedical Science. 2022;29(1):17. doi: 10.1186/s12929-022-00800-7.PubMedUsed to support: Shows an anthocyanin (cyanidin glycoside) suppresses DHT-induced senescence of human hair dermal papilla cells — direct mechanistic support for how black-rice anthocyanins in ActriSave may protect the follicle from androgen stress.
  3. Zaman R, Tan ESS, Bustami NA, Amini F, Seghayat MS, Ho YB, et al. Assessment of Opuntia ficus-indica supplementation on enhancing antioxidant levels. Scientific Reports. 2025;15(1):3507. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-87680-7.PubMedUsed to support: A human supplementation study of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) reporting enhanced antioxidant status — supports the antioxidant contribution of ActriSave's prickly-pear flower fraction.
  4. Zhou L, Zhu W, Chen Y Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2025;12:1719711. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1719711.PubMedUsed to support: A 2025 systematic review and network meta-analysis of oral dietary supplements for androgenetic alopecia, providing independent context for where saw palmetto, anthocyanins, and pea-sprout-type actives sit relative to other hair supplements.