Original Paper

Anti-Inflammatory and Skin-Hydrating Properties of a Dietary Supplement and Topical Formulations Containing Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins
B. Hughes-Formella, O. Wunderlich, R. Williams

Bioskin GmbH, Hamburg, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2007;20:43-49 (DOI: 10.1159/000096171)

  Key Words

• Erythema
• Skin hydration
• Procyanidins
• Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
• Anti-inflammatory properties

  Abstract

Background: Anti-inflammatory and skin hydration properties of a dietary supplement and 2 topical formulations (Anthogenol®) with oligomeric proanthocyanidins were investigated. Methods: Forty-two subjects were randomized into 2 groups: one taking the dietary supplement (100 mg/day) and the other without supplement. After 4 weeks, erythema was induced using UV radiation followed by treatment with topical cream or lotion. Erythema was measured for up to 72 h after irradiation. Skin hydration after 1 and 2 weeks of application of the cream and lotion was also measured in separate test fields. Results: Both topical formulations led to a significant suppression of erythema formation and the dietary supplement led to an additional slightly stronger suppression. Thus 72 h after UV exposure and compared to the control fields of patients that had not taken a dietary supplement, erythema was slightly (13.2%) lower in the subjects that had taken a dietary supplement. The cream resulted in a maximal reduction of erythema of 45.9% (p = 0.0015), while the lotion resulted in a maximal reduction of 53.1% (p = 0.0002). Both topical formulations also increased skin hydration (by nearly 20%; p < 0.002 for all combinations of dietary supplementation and topical treatment) and the hydration was higher in the group taking the dietary supplement. Conclusion: The regular use of Anthogenol® products may help to protect from free-radical-mediated skin inflammation and to increase skin hydration.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Betsy Hughes-Formella
Bioskin GmbH
Poppenbuetteler Bogen 25
DE-22399 Hamburg (Germany)
Tel. +49 40 606 897 13, Fax +49 40 606 897 30, E-Mail betsy.hughes@bioskin.de

  Article Information

Received: December 8, 2005
Accepted after revision: April 21, 2006
Published online: October 11, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 26