This study investigated the effects of proanthocyanidins derived from Acacia (Acacia mearnsii) bark extract in healthy Japanese adult subjects experiencing uncomfortable skin symptoms. All subjects were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 33 each) using a computerized random-number generator. The subjects received either Acacia bark extract tablets or placebo for 8 weeks. Evaluations included water content in the stratum corneum, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), Skindex-16, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), visual analog scale for desire to scratch, and blood tests. At 4 weeks, the symptom/feeling score of DLQI, subjective symptoms related to uncomfortable skin, and the desire to scratch were significantly reduced in the intervention group than in the placebo group. At 8 weeks, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower TEWL on facial skin than that in the placebo group. In conclusion, the intake of Acacia bark extract tablets reduced TEWL and improved dry and uncomfortable skin.

Background and Objective: Tomato seeds are edible seeds unconsciously ingested with the fruit. However, there are few reports regarding the constituents and biological activities of tomato seed extract (TSE). Recently, we found that saponins are major constituents of TSE including lycoperoside H. Previous reports have described that several plant-derived saponins improve skin diseases such as wounds and microangiopathy. Therefore, to discover the effect of TSE on the skin condition, we conducted a clinical trial of TSE (Tomato Seed Extract-P) standardized with lycoperoside H when orally ingested. Methods: The study was performed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. TSE (200 mg daily) containing 1 mg of lycoperoside H was used as the active sample. We enrolled 44 Japanese women who have concerns about facial elasticity and relatively low facial skin elasticity. All subjects were randomly allocated into either the active group (n = 22) or the placebo group (n = 22) using a computerized random-number generator. Capsules containing either the active sample or a placebo were administered for 8 weeks between October 12, 2020, and January 16, 2021. Facial elasticity, specifically the R7 value, was evaluated as the primary outcome. The remaining facial R parameters, upper arm R parameters, and other skin parameters including epidermal moisture, trans epidermal water loss, dermal parameters, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) parameters were measured at 0, 4, and 8 weeks of ingestion. Blood, urine, and body parameters were also evaluated for safety. Results: Forty-three subjects completed the trial,