title: Effects of Aloe Sterol Supplementation on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Collagen Score: A 12-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our previous study confirmed that Aloe sterol stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production in human dermal fibroblasts. This study aims to investigate whether Aloe sterol intake affects skin conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral Aloe sterol supplementation on skin elasticity, hydration, and the collagen score in 64 healthy women (age range 30-59 years; average 44.3 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or an Aloe sterol-supplemented yogurt. Skin parameters were measured and ultrasound analysis of the forearm was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ANCOVA revealed statistical differences in skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, and collagen score between the Aloe sterol and placebo groups. The gross elasticity (R2), net elasticity (R5), and biological elasticity (R7) scores of the Aloe sterol group significantly increased with time. In addition, skin fatigue area F3, which is known to decrease with age and fatigue, also increased with Aloe sterol intake. Ultrasound echogenicity revealed that the collagen content in the dermis increased with Aloe sterol intake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that continued Aloe sterol ingestion contributes to maintaining healthy skin.
authors.affiliation: Functional Food Ingredients Department, Food Ingredients and Technology Institute, Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Zama City, Japan.
authors.forename: Miyuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Eriko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Misawa
authors.forename: Kazumi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nabeshima
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamauchi
authors.forename: Fumiaki
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Abe
authors.forename: Fukumi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Furukawa
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000504:Aloe; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013261:Sterols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D013261:Sterols; D014867:Water; D003094:Collagen