Abstract
INTRODUCTION: With the growing demand for skin-enhancing products in the market, research into edible plants has expanded significantly. Numerous studies have shown that plant extracts rich in phytochemicals can effectively improve skin issues such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and dullness. However, clinical studies focusing on the effects of combined ingredients are still limited. OBJECTIVE: This study combined three plant ingredients known for their skin-beautifying effects and clinically tested their functional properties. METHODS: Sixty healthy subjects were screened and randomly divided into two groups: a test group (TG) and a placebo group (PG). TG took two tablets of multi-plant concentrated powder daily, while PG took placebo tablets without active ingredients. The study lasted 12 weeks. Plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured at week 0 (W0), week 8 (W8), and week 12 (W12). Skin brightness (L* value), skin tone (Individual Typological Angle (ITA°)), erythema (a* value), skin spots, and wrinkles were assessed at week 0 (W0), week 4 (W4), week 8 (W8), and week 12 (W12). RESULTS: The study showed significant improvements in all three antioxidant markers in the blood after consuming the compound ingredient tablets compared to the PG (p < 0.01). L* value and ITA° significantly increased from 8 weeks (p < 0.1). Skin spots significantly decreased at W8 and W12 (p < 0.1). While a* value and skin wrinkles showed noticeable reductions within the group in week 12 (p < 0.1), there were no significant differences compared to the PG. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of multi-plant concentrated powder improved skin whitening, brightened skin tone, reduced skin spots, and showed some improvement in wrinkles and erythema. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05988567.