Double-Blind Study on Effects of Glucosyl Ceramide in Beet Extract on Skin Elasticity and Fibronectin Production in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of beet extract on skin elasticity in female volunteers with dry skin and in human dermal fibroblasts.Method: To assess the effects of oral administration of glucosyl ceramide contained in beet extract (beet ceramide), we conducted an 8-week double-blind comparison study with 35 females (mean age: 40.9±4.2 years) with mild subjective symptoms of dry skin and declining keratin moisture levels. The compound was administered as glucosyl ceramide at 0, 0.6, or 1.8 mg/day to 3 groups (n=11, 12, 12, respectively).Results: Scores improved significantly for the following subjective skin symptoms: “concerned about dull skin,” “concerned about spots or freckles,” “sticky, oily skin,” “coarse and desiccated skin,” “not elastic, not glossy,” “concerned about rough skin,” “bags under eyes.” In addition, perspiration levels improved. The skin elasticity test (Cutometer) indicated that the elasticity index (R2 and R7) improved in a dose-dependent manner. However, we were unable to confirm the effects of ceramide on increasing skin moisture as reported in previous studies. In experiments involving human dermal fibroblasts, addition of beet ceramide promoted fibronectin synthesis and mRNA expression but had no effect on fibroblast proliferation or collagen synthesis.Conclusion: Results from clinical trials and experiments suggested that oral ingestion of beet ceramide may stimulate intracellular signals and exert favorable effects on the extracellular matrix, including the induction of fibronectin synthesis. In addition, we confirmed the safety of administering beet ceramide to humans.