Search Results (186)

Sebum secreted by sebaceous glands mixes with sweat to form a protective film that aids in maintaining skin health. Reduced sebum production compromises such barrier functions, potentially leading to severe itchiness and inflammation. Therefore, incorporating moisturizers with ingredients promoting sebum secretion is desirable. Wild watermelon possesses moisturizing and antioxidant properties, and its extracts are utilized in skin cosmetics and supplements. This study investigates whether seed watermelon (Citrullus mucosospermus (Fursa))—a species closely related to wild watermelon—influences sebum synthesis and can serve as a skin cosmetic raw ingredient. Several bioactive compounds—including coniferyl alcohol, coniferin, and p-coumaryl alcohol—were identified in the active third fraction of the fruit extract. Subsequently, SZ95 sebocytes stimulated with linoleic acid were stained using Oil Red O to detect lipogenesis facilitated by the identified bioactive compounds. Coniferyl alcohol promoted linoleic acid-stimulated lipogenesis by approximately 2.2-fold at a concentration of 300 µM. Lipidomic analyses confirmed an increase in total lipid content following coniferyl alcohol treatment, with notable increases in cholesterol ester, cardiolipin, and simple lipid content. Overall, these findings suggest that seed watermelon contains compounds that do influence sebum synthesis. Consequently, skin cosmetics containing seed watermelon fruit extracts with linoleic acid may benefit individuals with dry skin. Full article

Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by intrinsic factorssuch as genetic predispositions and hormonal changes as well as extrinsic factors including ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, and lifestyle habits. This process culminates in a progressive decline in the structural and functional integrity of the skin. This review delves into the protective roles of carotenoids, highlighting their significant anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties. We included studies that investigated the effects of dietary or topical carotenoids on skin aging markers in human and animal models. Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to March 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool for randomized trials and animal studies. A total of 176 studies were included, and data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes. The findings indicate that carotenoids mitigate oxidative stress-induced cellular damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), attenuating chronic inflammation, and enhancing dermal matrix integrity via collagen biosynthesis and modulation of matrix metalloproteinases. Additionally, they support skin hydration and elasticity by indirectly regulating aquaporins and promoting hyaluronic acid synthesis. This review further explores emerging strategies that incorporate carotenoid supplementation in lifestyle medicine and preventive dermatology. By elucidating the cellular pathways through which carotenoids exert their effects and modulate mitochondrial function, this review highlights their translational potential in anti-aging skincare. Ongoing research is essential to comprehend the complex connections between carotenoids, skin physiology, and overall health. This understanding will ultimately facilitate the creation of personalized nutritional and dermocosmetic strategies. Full article

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

Skin aging causes reduced hydration, elasticity, and increased wrinkles. Recent safety and compliance concerns over oral collagen supplements have increased interest in plant-based alternatives like Hibiscus sabdariffa with antioxidant and anti-aging properties. However, clinical evidence regarding its efficacy remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the effects of this plant-based collagen alternative (VC-H1, Hibiscus Enzyme Extract) supplement on skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), desquamation, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction in photoaged individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 98 participants (aged 35–60 years) presenting with dry skin and periorbital wrinkles. Participants randomly received 1.5 g/day of VC-H1 or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin hydration, TEWL, deep moisture, keratin index, elasticity, and wrinkle parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. VC-H1 supplementation significantly increased skin hydration, reduced the TEWL and keratin index, and improved deep moisture content for those receiving it compared with the controls. Wrinkle depth significantly decreased, and skin elasticity also improved. Those in the VC-H1 group showed greater overall improvement than those in the control group. Oral VC-H1 supplementation significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction, suggesting its potential as a plant-based alternative to traditional collagen supplements for skin rejuvenation. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes significant deterioration of the quality of life, and due to its multifactorial causes, it is often difficult to manage. Apart from genetic and environmental components, an important part of its pathophysiology comprises an oxidative stress induction that the standard antioxidative mechanisms of the human body cannot compensate for. Moreover, in many psoriatic patients, there is a documented imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidative factors. Usually, psoriasis is evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. It has been demonstrated that dietary choices can lead to significant modification of PASI scores. Hypocaloric diets that are rich in antioxidants are highly effective in this regard, especially when focusing on vegetables and restricting consumption of animal-derived protein. Specific dietary regimens, namely the Mediterranean diet and potentially the ketogenic diet, are very beneficial, in the former case owing in large part to the omega-three fatty acids it provides and its ability to alter gut microbiome, a factor which seems to play a notable role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Another option is the topical application of vitamin D and its analogues, combined with corticosteroids, which can ameliorate the manifestations of psoriasis at the level of the skin. Finally, oral vitamin D supplementation has a positive impact on psoriatic arthritis and can mitigate the risk of associated comorbidities. Full article

By-products from winemaking, such as grape pomace, grape seeds, grape skins, or extracts made from them, represent a cost-effective and sustainable bioresource. These by-products are a source of polyphenolic compounds, plant fibers and—in the case of seeds—essential fatty acids with various health-promoting effects for livestock. Numerous studies involving fast-growing broiler breeds—which often suffer from metabolic inflammation and oxidative stress due to disproportionate breast muscle growth leading to issues like cardiorespiratory insufficiency—indicate that supplementing feed with grape by-products improves performance, particularly weight gain and feed efficiency. This literature review demonstrates that the performance-enhancing effects of grape by-products in fast-growing broiler breeds can be attributed to various mechanisms such as improved nutrient digestibility, a positive influence on intestinal morphology and integrity, the favorable modulation of the microbial community in the gut, the inhibition of oxidative stress or the enhancement of the antioxidant defense system, and the stimulation of the immune response. Full article

Skin aging is mostly caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to cellular dysfunction. One promising therapy for skin aging is the secretome product of adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs). L-ascorbic acid (LAA) is an essential molecule for preventing oxidative stress as an external antioxidant agent and has been used in chemical therapy for skin aging. In this study, we evaluated the effects of LAA on cell morphology, the number of cells, cell viability, and the paracrine secretion of preconditioned AT-MSCs in in vitro culture with LAA in 100 and 200 µg/mL compared with an untreated culture with LAA as a control. LAA supplementation in both concentrations improved the morphology of cells without affecting the cell viability. However, there was no significant improvement in the number of cells even though the trend showed an enhancement of the number of cells. The total protein of the secretome decreased in the LAA preconditioning group. However, preconditioning AT-MSCs in in vitro culture with LAA improved the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) which are essential proteins for skin aging in regulating ROS. Full article

Millettia speciosa (MS) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant with notable nutritional value and a wide range of biological activities. Recent studies have explored its chemical composition and pharmacological effects, particularly focusing on the potential utilization of its by-products. However, a lack of integrated analysis has limited a comprehensive understanding of its functional value and industrial relevance. This review provides a critical overview of the major bioactive components of MS, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides, and highlights their antioxidant, lipid-lowering, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and immune-regulatory properties. In addition, the nutritional aspects of MS, including its protein, amino acid, and mineral contents, are discussed in detail. Safety evaluations based on existing toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are also summarized. Furthermore, this work outlines the current and emerging applications of MS and its by-products in key industries: in the food sector as functional ingredients and nutritional supplements, in agriculture as biofertilizers and animal feed additives, and in cosmetics for their antioxidative and skin-protective effects. Finally, the review identifies current challenges and prospects for the industrial development of MS-based products across multiple domains. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary addition of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) powder on the growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability and cold storage quality of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In this research, 480 quail chicks were divided into four experimental groups, and each experimental group was composed of four replicates, each containing 30 quail chicks. Commercial feed was used in the study, but BBP was added to the feed at levels of 0%, 1%, 2% and 4%. Results showed that dietary addition of blueberry powder did not affect body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between hot and cold carcass weights and carcass yield among carcass parameters (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found among the blueberry-supplemented groups in terms of thigh, back and neck ratios (p < 0.05). In this study, it was determined that thiobarbituric acid (TBA), pH and peroxide values in breast meat samples kept at +4 °C for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days were lower in the blueberry-supplemented groups compared to the control group and these values decreased linearly as the supplement level increased (p < 0.05). The addition of blueberries to the quail diets resulted in similar L, a and b values in breast and thigh meat and skin among the groups (p > 0.05) except for the b value in thigh meat (p < 0.05). The findings obtained in this study revealed that although adding blueberries to the quail diet did not have a significant effect on performance, the antioxidant activity and phenolic substance content of the plant had a significant effect on increasing the shelf life of meat. It was concluded that blueberry could be used as a natural additive that may replace synthetic antioxidants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in skin aging and carcinogenesis. Phytochemicals such as sulforaphane (SF, from broccoli sprouts or seeds) or curcumin (CUR, from turmeric) can be highly protective against this stress. They each induce a suite of cytoprotective and antioxidant enzymes that are coordinately transcribed via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway in mammals, such as the prototypical cytoprotective enzyme NAD(P)H dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1). Methods: Eighteen healthy human volunteers (9 males, 9 females, aged 18–69. were randomized to receive daily glucoraphanin (GR), which is converted to SF upon ingestion (450 mg; 1 mmol), CUR (1000 mg; 2.7 mmol), or both (450 mg GR + 1000 mg CUR), as oral supplements. After 8 days of a diet low in both compounds, blood and urine were collected for compliance and biomarker measurements. Randomized spots on the buttock’s skin were exposed to 2 x M.E.D. of UVB, and punch biopsies were obtained 1 and 3 days later for biomarker and histological measurement. Erythema was measured with a chromameter daily for 3 consecutive days following UVB. The process was repeated after receiving oral supplements, both with and without UVB exposure. Results: Compared to baseline, each treatment (n = 6 for each) induced NQO1 mRNA levels in skin biopsies: 3.1-fold with GR, 3.3-fold with CUR, and 3.6-fold with the combination of GR and CUR. Across all treatments (n = 18), expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α were reduced, as were IL-6, IL-17, STING, and CYR61, though less robustly. Modulation of these biomarkers persisted, but was less pronounced, in biopsies taken following UV exposure. The presence of SF and its metabolites in the skin post-treatment was confirmed by examining 6 of 12 subjects who ingested GR. Supplement effects on erythema following UV exposure were not significant, and no significant changes were measured in the same biomarkers in blood cells (PBMC), or by counting dyskeratotic keratinocytes. Supplements were well tolerated and compliance was excellent. Conclusions: Oral GR and CUR are well tolerated and have for the first time been shown to result in increased expression of cytoprotective genes and reduced expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in human skin in vivo. This mechanism-based clinical study suggests that an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective benefit from these oral supplements is delivered to the skin in humans. Full article

This study investigated the potential of dietary garlic skin supplementation to enhance meat quality in black goats, addressing the growing demand for natural feed additives in sustainable livestock production. Twelve 4-month-old Youzhou black goats were randomly assigned to a control group (FR, basal diet) or an experimental group (NR, 16% garlic skin supplementation) for 90 days. Meat quality parameters, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and metabolomic pathways were systematically analyzed. The NR group demonstrated significantly reduced backfat thickness (p < 0.05), increased eye muscle area (p < 0.05), higher pH at 0 h post-slaughter (p < 0.05), and improved meat color (L* and a* values at 24 h, p < 0.05) compared to FR. Cooking loss was significantly lower in NR (p < 0.05), alongside elevated arginine and n-3 PUFA (α-linolenic acid, EPA, DHA) levels (p < 0.01) and a favorable n-6/n-3 ratio. Metabolomics identified 1970 differentially abundant metabolites, with key enrichments in propionate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and amino acid pathways, notably linking acylcarnitines to color stability and water retention. These findings indicated that garlic skin improved meat quality through coordinated regulation of lipid metabolism, antioxidant enhancement, and mitochondrial optimization. The study provided foundational evidence for utilizing garlic byproducts as functional feed additives to improve nutritional and sensory attributes in goat meat, supporting sustainable meat production strategies. Full article

Background: Acne vulgaris, a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder, stems from factors like Cutibacterium acnes overgrowth, inflammation dysregulation, and immune dysfunction. Clinically, acne severity inversely correlates with serum zinc (Zn) levels, and oral Zn supplementation shows efficacy. Lactic acid bacteria are capable of converting inorganic Zn into organic forms via biological transformation, potentially generating Zn-enriched bacteria as superior Zn delivery vehicles. Methods: In this study, a Zn-deficient acne mouse model was established through dietary Zn restriction combined with intradermal C. acnes injection. The therapeutic effects of orally administered Zn-containing supplements, including Zn-enriched Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CCFM1195 (Zn-CCFM1195), were systematically evaluated through multiple parameters: histopathological evaluation of skin lesions, cutaneous inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, serum Zn concentration, and gene expression levels of pathway-associated proteins. Results: Induction of C. acnes led to decreased serum Zn levels (14.98 μmol/L in Control vs. 9.71 μmol/L in Model) and skin metallothionein content, causing Zn imbalance. Zn deficiency caused increased levels of lesion elevation (9.23 in Model vs. 10.53 in Zn-deficient Model), IL-17A, TNF-α, and MMP9 in skin, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in C. acnes-induced mice. Zn supplementation alleviated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in Zn-deficient acne-like mice. Notably, inactivated Zn-CCFM1195 exhibited superior efficacy to ZnSO₄, significantly reducing lesion diameter and decreasing cutaneous levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and MDA while enhancing GSH-Px activity. Similarly, viable Zn-CCFM1195 treatment significantly decreased IL-17A and enhanced GSH-Px activity compared with ZnSO₄ treatment. Furthermore, Zn supplementation downregulated the expression of TLR2, IκBα, and IKKβ, which may exert its anti-acne effect by regulating related pathways. Conclusions: Zn deficiency exacerbates skin inflammation, whereas Zn supplementation, particularly with Zn-CCFM1195, alleviates acne vulgaris through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Full article

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), a historically revered medicinal plant, has garnered great scientific attention due to its polysaccharide-rich bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. This review examines the role of Aloe Vera polysaccharides as therapeutic agents in biomedical applications, highlighting their benefits as well as the risks. Traditionally recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which are very important in wound healing, the Aloe Vera relies on its polysaccharides, which confer immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative properties. These compounds have shown promise in various applications, including skin repair, tissue engineering scaffolds, and antiviral therapies, with their delivery being facilitated via gels, thin films, or oral formulations. This review explores also their mechanisms of action and applications in modern medicine, including in the development of topical gels, dietary supplements, and innovative delivery systems such as thin films and scaffolds. Despite the promising benefits, the review addresses the possible side effects too, including allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, and drug interactions, emphasizing the importance of understanding these risks for their safe clinical use. Assessing both the advantages and challenges of Aloe Vera polysaccharide medical use, this review contributes to the ongoing dialog regarding the integration of natural products into therapeutic practices, ultimately supporting informed decisions regarding their clinical application. Full article

To develop a highly bioavailable calcium supplement, this study utilized Peruvian squid (Dosidicus gigas) skin as a raw material. Through alkaline protease hydrolysis and enzymatic membrane reactor separation, three molecular weight fractions of squid skin peptides were obtained, followed by calcium ion chelation to synthesize calcium-chelating peptides (CCPs-SS). Systematic characterization revealed that the less than 1 kDa fraction of CCPs-SS exhibited superior antioxidant capacity (82.18%) and calcium chelation efficiency (77.14%) in cellular models compared to higher molecular weight counterparts. Optimal synthesis conditions were identified as 60 °C, pH 9, and 12 mg/mL calcium chloride concentration. Post-chelation analyses demonstrated significant physicochemical alterations for CCPs-SS: ζ-potential shifted from −18.4 mV to −10.47 mV, while particle size increased from 476.75 nm to 664.4 nm. Notably, membrane separation enhanced phenylalanine and leucine molar concentrations by 25.5% and 57.6%, respectively, suggesting structural modifications that potentiate bioactivity. These findings demonstrate an innovative strategy for converting squid processing byproducts into functional nutraceuticals, which not only addresses calcium deficiency challenges but also promotes resource sustainability by utilizing waste materials. Full article

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) cause blood vessel damage and induce diabetic complications in various organs, such as the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and skin. As glycation stress causes aesthetic, physical, and functional changes in the skin, glycation-targeting skin anti-aging strategies are attracting attention in cosmetology and dermatology. The primary goal of this review is to understand the significance of glycation-induced skin aging and to examine the therapeutic potential of glycation-targeting strategies. This study covers experimental and clinical studies exploring various interventions to attenuate glycation-induced skin aging. Glycation stress decreases the viability of cells in culture media, the cell-mediated contraction of collagen lattices in reconstructed skin models, and the expression of fibrillin-1 at the dermo-epidermal junction in the skin explants. It also increases cross-links in tail tendon collagen in animals, prolonging its breakdown time. However, these changes are attenuated by several synthetic and natural agents. Animal and clinical studies have shown that dietary or topical administration of agents with antiglycation or antioxidant activity can attenuate changes in AGE levels (measured by skin autofluorescence) and skin aging parameters (e.g., skin color, wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, dermal density) induced by chronological aging, diabetes, high-carbohydrate diets, ultraviolet radiation, or oxidative stress. Therefore, the accumulating experimental and clinical evidence supports that dietary supplements or topical formulations containing one or more synthetic and natural antiglycation agents may help mitigate skin aging induced by AGEs. Full article