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.
BACKGROUND
During 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.


METHODS
The 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.


RESULTS
BG11001 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.


CONCLUSIONS
In 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.
Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea.
Sang-Yong
SY
Park
Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea.
Yu-Kyong
YK
Shin
College of Oriental Medicine, Semyung University, Jecheon, Korea.
Hee-Taek
HT
Kim
College of Oriental Medicine, Semyung University, Jecheon, Korea.
Yong Min
YM
Kim
Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea.
Don-Gil
DG
Lee
Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea.
Eunson
E
Hwang
Korea Ginseng Research Institute, Korea Ginseng Corporation, Daejeon, Korea.
Byung-Goo
BG
Cho
Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Chang Shik
CS
Yin
Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea.
Ki-Young
KY
Kim
Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea.
Tae Hoo
TH
Yi
Panax ginseng; elasticity; enzyme-treated red ginseng; human skin; wrinkle