Nutricosmetic botanical blend improves skin health and appearance in a recent study

Photo © Shutterstock.com/goodluz

A recent clinical study¹ evaluated the potential anti-aging effects of a botanical blend that combines pomegranate (Punica granatum), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), desert ginseng (f. Cistanche), and gotu kola (Centella asiatica). The product, eternalyoung, is manufactured by Monteloeder SL (Madrid, Spain), a subsidiary of Suanfarma.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 Caucasian women with evident signs of both chrono- and photoaging were given either 225 mg of the botanical blend or placebo, daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes investigated by researchers were the changes in skin moisturization, skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin thickness, dark spot staining, skin radiance, and skin profilometry. Secondary outcomes were the visual and self-perceived effects of the product and product tolerability. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, and 28, 56, and 84 days of product intake.

Results showed that, compared to placebo, subjects taking the botanical blend experienced significant increases in the skin moisturization index and statistically significant decreases in TEWL throughout the study. Compared to placebo, subjects taking the botanical blend saw significant improvements in skin firmness and elasticity, as well significant decreases in wrinkle depth and skin roughness. These subjects also saw a significant decrease in the intensity of dark spots, and significantly increased skin radiance.

“Extensive scientific research has demonstrated that botanical phenolic compounds have a wealth of benefits for preserving the appearance and function of aging skin,” explained Miguel Poza, Monteloeder’s Nutra Division director, in a press release. “This inspired us to craft a unique botanical blend designed to synergistically target the underlying mechanisms of skin aging and enhance beauty from within. The Eternalyoung blend is the result of extensive research and experimentation on numerous botanical actives for their antioxidant and melanin-inhibition activity, as well as their ability to boost skin cell proliferation. Another goal was to find the right combination of ingredients that could reduce telomere shortening while activating telomerase, an enzyme that helps maintain telomere length and in turn, stimulate rejuvenation.”

According to the researchers, the benefits exerted by the botanical blend can be partly attributed to the capacity of the product to boost fibroblast proliferation as well as reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and telomere shortening in aged fibroblasts. Telomeres shorten after each cell division until they reach a length in which they cease to divide and enter senescence. Reducing telomere shortening allows cells to escape the cell senescence pathway, during which cells begin to secrete proinflammatory cytokines, catabolic modulators such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and release ROS. This can cause a decline in the skin’s self-regenerative potential, as well as a reduction in collagen and elastin fibers.

“By maintaining telomere length, Eternalyoung prolongs cell lifespan, stimulating aging cells to act like young cells. Since it has both corrective and preventive impact, it is suitable for both younger consumers seeking to prevent the signs of aging, as well as mature consumers searching for a solution to aging skin,” said Poza. “As a multifunctional ingredient that targets a number of skin issues, nearly anyone can benefit from incorporating Eternalyoung into their skincare routine.”

Reference

1. Nobile, V.; Schiano, I.; Germani, L.; Cestone, E.; Navarro, P.; Jones, J.; Caturla, N. Skin Anti-Aging Efficacy of a Four-Botanical Blend Dietary Ingredient: A Randomized, Double Blind, Clinical Study. Cosmetics. 2023, 10 (1): 16. DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics10010016