Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract alleviates stretch mark appearance in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women and stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis in ex vivo human skin explants.

BACKGROUND: The leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata mainly contain polygodial that is known to exhibit a range of biological functions including anti-inflammatory effects. AIMS: These studies aimed to assess the effects of Tasmannia lanceolata extract (TLE) on skin and more particularly on stretch marks in women. PATIENTS/METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out on 29 women, aged from 25 to 60 years, to investigate the effects of TLE on stabilized stretch marks. TLE and placebo products were topically applied daily for 8 weeks. Skin roughness and firmness of stretch marks were assessed by 2D and 3D photograph processing and analyses. Dermal density and thickness were evaluated using ultrasound, while stretch mark conditions (length, color, and depth) were determined by clinical scoring. Matricial proteins (pro-collagen I and elastin) and pro-matricial factors, like TGF-ß concentrations, were quantified from cultures of human skin explants presenting stretch marks, treated with TLE or vehicle control. RESULTS: Skin roughness of stretch marks was significantly reduced in the TLE group after 8 weeks of treatment. Skin firmness of stretch marks was significantly increased in the TLE group after 4 weeks of treatment, and this improved effect was maintained until the end of the study. Dermal density and thickness were significantly increased in the TLE group compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, TLE restored the dermal condition of the stretch mark skin, up to normal skin levels. In addition, pro-collagen I and elastin concentrations were found to be higher in the TLE-treated stretch mark skin explants compared to the untreated ones, associated with higher quantities of TGF-ß production. CONCLUSION: These results revealed that TLE could help improve the aspect of stabilized stretch marks in women by restoring the matricial environment.

[Sustainable and efficient cooperation to protect residents from the COVID-19 epidemic]. / Coopérer pour protéger les résidents de la Covid-19.

The health crisis has had a major impact on residential institutions for dependent elderly people. Professionals practising in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region are reviewing the measures adopted to protect residents, their families and staff. Resulting from a collective work between four public establishments in common direction, the fight against the epidemic of COVID-19 was organized by combining management of the immediacy of ministerial directives and anticipation in order to be sustainable.

"Miliacin encapsulated by polar lipids stimulates cell proliferation in hair bulb and improves telogen effluvium in women".

BACKGROUND: Miliacin, the main triterpenoid from millet, is known to stimulate keratinocyte metabolism and proliferation. Polar lipids are able to form vesicles with active compounds and to improve their bioavailability. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to demonstrate potential benefits of a solution of miliacin encapsulated within polar lipids (MePL) on telogen effluvium prevention and hair condition in women. METHODS: After preliminary cell proliferation studies, a placebo-controlled, multicentric, randomized, double-blind trial was performed on sixty-five nonmenopausal women affected by telogen effluvium, to assess the efficacy of a 12-week oral supplementation with MePL. Telogen and anagen densities were determined by phototrichogram analysis. Scalp dryness and hair brightness were clinically evaluated using a Likert scale. RESULTS: MePL further enhanced cell proliferation in hair bulb from human scalp than miliacin alone. Compared to the placebo treatment, MePL supplementation significantly reduced telogen density after 12 weeks of treatment. An increase of anagen density was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between the two treatments. Scalp dryness was more decreased in the MePL group than in the placebo group. A better improvement of hair brightness was also observed after 12 weeks of supplementation with MePL. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of MePL supplementation significantly reduced the hair density in the telogen phase and, in parallel, improved scalp dryness and hair condition. These effects could be linked to MePL activity on cell proliferation in hair bulb. MePL is an original association of plant extract that could help to prevent and/or limit hair loss in women.

Polar lipids from wheat extract oil improve skin damages induced by aging: Evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women and an ex vivo study on human skin explant.

BACKGROUND: Polar lipids from wheat (Triticum vulgare/aestivum) extract oil (WEO) are known to improve skin hydration. AIMS: These studies aimed to assess WEO benefits on the skin appearance of middle-aged women. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out on 64 healthy women, aged from 45 to 60 years, to investigate antiaging effects and benefits for the skin. The study lasted 20 weeks including 12 weeks of oral supplementation with WEO or placebo and 8 weeks of follow-up. Wrinkles in the "crow's-feet" area were evaluated by the Lemperle score. Skin hydration was measured using a corneometer, while roughness and radiance were determined by clinical scoring. Collagen content was quantified in human skin explants exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiations and treated with WEO or vehicle control. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the Lemperle score was significantly reduced in the WEO group between W0 and W8 to reach a clinically significant 1 grade at W12. Facial hydration was significantly improved in the WEO group from W0 to W12, whereas leg hydration was significantly increased after 4 weeks and lasted throughout the supplementation period. Skin roughness and radiance were also significantly improved from W0 to W8 in the WEO group compared to placebo group. A higher collagen content was measured in the UV-irradiated skin explants treated with WEO compared to the untreated ones. CONCLUSION: These results confirmed the moisturizing effect of WEO and, for the first time, revealed its potential antiaging properties.