Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Blue Fenugreek Kale Extract on Skin Health and Aging: In-vitro and Clinical Evidences

Abstract

Background:The skin is primarily affected by aging, especially when it is exposed to particulate matter present in the environment. It has been hypothesized that consumption of products with known antioxidant properties would help combat factors associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors. Objective:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the formulation Blue Fenugreek Kale Extract (BFKE) on skin aging. Methods: In this study, the effect of BFKE on protein oxidation was determined in human dermal fibroblasts by analysis of the level of protein carbonylation after cells were stressed with either H 2 O 2 or urban pollution consisting of particulate matter and UV-A. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study that evaluated the effect of BFKE consumption over a period of 56 days in 59 volunteers was performed. The major parameter studied was skin barrier dysfunction through the assessment of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Additional parameters analyzed clinically include skin moisture content, participant selfassessment of skin parameters, wrinkle severity, skin sagging and elasticity. Furthermore, low grade and allergic inflammatory biomarker levels were measured at the start and end of the treatment period, along with oxidative stress assessment using blood malondialdehyde levels. Results: BFKE significantly reduced protein carbonylation in human dermal fibroblasts stressed with urban pollution. In the clinical study, the TEWL level reduced significantly and at the same time the skin moisture content levels increased by end of the treatment period. No significant changes were observed in wrinkle severity, skin sagging, elasticity, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarker levels. Participant and investigator perception of treatment was significantly greater after product consumption, as was the improvement in skin parameters based on participant self-assessment. Conclusion: BFKE reduces protein oxidation induced by H 2 O 2 and restores skin barrier function and skin hydration, while also combating early signs of aging.

Phytochemical Profile of Trigonella caerulea (Blue Fenugreek) Herb and Quantification of Aroma-Determining Constituents

“…Therefore, different scaffolds seem to be present in the seeds and the herb of T. caerulea, with the herb containing predominantly di-and triglycosides of kaempferol and quercetin (Figure 5). This is of interest as a commercial dietary supplement containing blue fenugreek and kale leaves (4:1) is standardized on the content of flavonoids [13], even though no reports on the flavonoid composition of T. carulea herb have been made so far. This preparation, a hydroethanolic (36%) extract, is intended to prevent skin aging by the antioxidative properties of its ingredients, which was partly demonstrated in a recent study [13].…”

“…This is of interest as a commercial dietary supplement containing blue fenugreek and kale leaves (4:1) is standardized on the content of flavonoids [13], even though no reports on the flavonoid composition of T. carulea herb have been made so far. This preparation, a hydroethanolic (36%) extract, is intended to prevent skin aging by the antioxidative properties of its ingredients, which was partly demonstrated in a recent study [13]. The identification of the major flavonoids in blue fenugreek by our work might lead to the compounds responsible for the skin-protecting effect and thus lay the basis for future compound-related investigations.…”

“…Column used for all GC analyses was a ThermoFisher TG-5SilMS (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm). NMR spectra were recorded using a Bruker Avance III 400 NMR spectrometer (Bruker, Rheinstetten, Germany) operating at 400.33 MHz for the proton channel and at 100.66 MHz for the 13 C channel by means of a 5 mm PABBO broad-band probe with a z gradient unit.…”

“…In addition, other specialized (secondary) plant metabolites, e.g., flavonoids, should also be taken into consideration. This is even more important as blue fenugreek is used as a dietary supplement (in combination with kale) and the respective product is standardized on the amount on flavonoid glycosides (>12 mg/g extract) [13].…”