Tolerability and efficacy assessment of an oral collagen supplement for the improvement of biophysical and ultrasonographic parameters of skin in middle eastern consumers.

BACKGROUND: Topical skin care products often do not reach the deeper layers of the skin, and oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness in Middle Eastern consumers. METHODS AND MATERIALS: It was a 12-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and 2 men) aged 44.15 ± 5.36 years with skin type III-IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5, and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as 4 weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants' satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects. RESULTS: A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5, and skin friction at week 12 (p-values 0.041, 0.012 and <0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the persistence of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (p-value = 0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well-tolerated.

Brightening effect of Ziziphus jujuba (jujube) fruit extract on facial skin: A randomized, double-blind, clinical study.

Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (jujube) is an invaluable medicinal plant in traditional and modern medicine. Jujube syrup is a complex of herbal extracts including Z. jujuba, Berberis vulgaris, Rhus coriaria, Prunus domestica, and Rosa damascene. The purpose of the present study was to formulate and investigate the efficacy and safety of jujube syrup on brightening of facial skin. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study, 46 participants consumed jujube syrup or placebo (23 in each group) twice a day for 8 weeks. The number of pigments, area of pigmentation, and physician's global assessment score (PGAS) were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. The results showed the amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were 81.97 ± 0.25 and 4.98 ± 1.04 mg/ml, respectively. The amounts of organic acids (gallic acid and chlorogenic acid) were quantified at 1140 ± 17.65 and 1520 ± 25.77 µg/ml, respectively. The amounts of total phenolic and flavonoids were stable under accelerated conditions. Eight weeks after treatment, the number of pigment counts reduced to 0.545 ± 0.307 compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the pigmented area and its percentages were significantly reduced to 0.556 ± 0.285 and 0.561 ± 0.288 in jujube syrup compared with placebo, respectively. Jujube syrup is efficient and safe for treating hyperpigmentation of the face.

Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil.

BACKGROUND: Recently, many compounds or extracts from natural sources are used for reducing facial aging and wrinkles. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the preparation and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of saffron extract and avocado oil used for anti-wrinkle topical cream. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Oil in water cream was prepared containing avocado oil and the saffron extract. Accelerated stability tests were carried out due to 6 months accordingly through the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guideline. For clinical studies, topical cream was applied by twenty healthy volunteers daily, for 12 weeks. Improvement in wrinkle grading by a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GIAS), depth and volume of the nasolabial fold, thickness, and density of dermis, and determination of the skin biophysical parameters were evaluated at the baseline, 6th and 12th week. RESULT: During the period of storage, the formulation showed no variation in physicochemical properties. The clinical evaluation showed at least one-grade improvement in GIAS in 30% and 45% of participants, after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Subjects were "moderately satisfied" with the treatment. In addition, the area and volume of nasolabial folds were significantly reduced. Moreover, net elasticity (R5) and gross elasticity (R2) showed a significant increase after 12 weeks of treatment. There was no report of allergic reactions, and no changes in skin hydration occurred during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that saffron extract and avocado oil anti-wrinkle topical cream is an efficient and safe treatment for facial skin rejuvenation.