Effects of a combination of botanical actives on skin health and antioxidant status in post-menopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Skin aging is one of the most concerning issues during the post-menopausal period. Despite the promising effects of hormonal therapy, there is still concerned about the long-term outcomes from the treatment. Therefore, nutraceuticals that contain estrogenic and antioxidative effects have gained a lot of attention as an alternative therapy for slowing down skin age-related changes in women after menopause.

Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of a combination of nutraceuticals on skin health and antioxidant status in women after menopause.

Methods: Post-menopausal women aged 45-60 years old were enrolled and randomly allocated (n = 110) equally to either treatment or placebo group (n = 55 per group). The test product, a nutraceutical containing a blend of Glycine max, Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus-castus, and Oenothera biennis extracts, was administered over a 12-week period, with dermatological parameters evaluated at baseline, week 6, and week 12 of the study. Additionally, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected at baseline and week 12 to evaluate the antioxidant status.

Results: At week 6, skin roughness was significantly improved in the treatment group (n = 50 completed), while at week 12, a significant improvement and large effect sizes observed in skin elasticity (Cohen's d = 1.56, [SD_pooled = 0.10]), roughness (d = 1.53, [0.67]), smoothness (d = -1.33, [34.65]), scaliness (d = -0.80 [0.095]), and wrinkles (d = -1.02 [13.68]) compared to placebo (n = 51 completed). Moreover, GSH was significantly increased (d = 1.54 [32.52]) whereas MDA was significantly decreased (d = -1.66, [0.66]) in the test group, compared to placebo. Blood biochemistry, along with vital signs, did not differ between groups, and no subjects reported any adverse throughout the trial.

Conclusion: These data indicate the supplementation with the formulated blend of four herbal extracts is supportive of skin health and antioxidant status in women of menopausal age.

Keywords: antioxidant; menopause; phyto-estrogen; post-menopause; skin aging.