A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of “enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex (BG11001)” for antiwrinkle and proelasticity in individuals with healthy skin

Abstract

BackgroundDuring the aging process, skin shows visible changes, characterized by a loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles due to reduced collagen production and decreased elasticity of elastin fibers. Panax ginseng Meyer has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases due to its wide range of biological activities including skin protective effects. Ginsenosides are the main components responsible for the biological activities of ginseng. However, the protective activities of an enzymatic preparation of red ginseng against human skin aging have not been investigated.MethodsThe efficacy of an enzyme-treated powder complex of red ginseng (BG11001) in preventing human skin aging was evaluated by oral administration to 78 randomized individuals. All patients were requested to take three daily capsules containing either 750 mg of BG11001 or a placebo vehicle for 24 wk; at the end of the testing period, skin roughness, elasticity, and skin water content were measured.ResultsBG11001 significantly reduced the average roughness of eye wrinkles and the Global Photo Damage Score compared with the placebo, although there were no significant differences in arithmetic roughness average between the groups. In addition, gross elasticity and net elasticity values increased, and transepidermal water loss level decreased, indicating improved skin elasticity and moisture content.ConclusionIn conclusion, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract significantly improved eye wrinkle roughness, skin elasticity, and moisture content. Moreover, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract would be useful substance as a bio-health skin care product.

Aging in Skin of Color: Disruption to Elastic Fiber Organization Is Detrimental to Skin’s Biomechanical Function

“…Similarly, Asian individuals are also classified as having skin of color and, to date, just a few studies have examined the effects of skin aging on this diverse population. Skin elasticity is compromised in photoaged Asian facial skin (Ahn et al, 2007;Nam et al, 2014;Park et al, 2016); however, it remains unknown to what extent other biomechanical properties are affected. Performing a thorough assessment of both biomechanical and histologic analyses of young and aged Asian skin is therefore warranted.…”

Photoaging protective effects of BIOGF1K, a compound-K-rich fraction prepared from Panax ginseng

“…Although BIOGF1K was revealed not to have direct suppressive action on melanin formation and tyrosinase activity, present results seem to raise a possibility that BIOGF1K can have another potential merit for the development of cosmetic products in addition to its antiphotoaging properties. In fact, numerous cosmetic products contain fractions previously prepared in Korea from P. ginseng (e.g., BG11001, P. ginseng berry, and AP-SF) [48] , [49] , [50] . Studies on individual compounds from P. ginseng have indicated that ginsenosides (G)-Rg2, G-F2, G-Re, and G-Rb2 protect skin and possess additional cosmeceutical activities by suppressing melanin biosynthesis, enhancing cyclic growth of hair follicles, improving skin barrier function, and suppressing skin inflammation [51] , [52] , [53] .…”

Effects of red ginseng on the elastic properties of human skin

“…Red ginseng is known to have antiaging effects. Ginseng can protect the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin from strong UV-B radiation [11] , while maltol, one of the phenolic compounds present in red ginseng, reduces fatigue and exhibits antioxidant properties [12] . In addition, ginseng extracts, including ginsenosides Re, Rc, and Rb1, induce procollagen type I–related gene expression and decrease that of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and tumor necrosis factor [13] .…”