Background: Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (ZA) is a traditional Asian culinary spice and medicinal compound, which is rich in monoterpenes and hydroxy α-sanshool. Mechanistic interactions with the monoamine, cholinergic and cannabinoid neurotransmission systems, as well as transient receptor potential (TRP) and potassium ion channels, may predispose ZA to modulate human brain function. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a single dose and 56-days supplementation with a lipid extract of ZA on cognitive function, mood and cerebral blood-flow (CBF) parameters in the pre-frontal cortex during cognitive task performance. Design: Double-blind, randomized, parallel groups study with N = 82 healthy males and females between the ages of 30 and 55 years. Assessments were undertaken pre-dose and at 1, 3 and 5 h post-dose on the first (Day 1) and last (Day 56) days of supplementation. Results: A single dose of ZA (Day 1) resulted in acute improvements on a ‘Speed of Attention’ factor and the Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) task, in comparison to placebo. However, following ZA participants were less accurate on the name-to-face recall task. After 56 days of ZA consumption (Day 56), speed was enhanced on a global ‘Speed of Performance’ measure, comprising data from all of the timed tasks in the computerized battery. Participants also completed more correct Serial 3s Subtractions at the 3 h assessment and were less mentally fatigued throughout the day than participants consuming placebo. These effects were complemented on both Day 1 and Day 56 by modulation of CBF parameters, as assessed by Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The primary finding here was a reduced hemodynamic response during the RVIP task. Conclusion: ZA improves aspects of cognitive performance, in particular the speed of performing tasks, in healthy humans and results in concomitant reductions in hemodynamic responses in the frontal cortex during task performance. The findings suggest an increase in neural efficiency following ZA.

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, but currently available treatment options are often dissatisfying due to side effects or limited efficacy. Pea sprout extract has been shown to improve hair density when applied topically, but its mode of action and effectiveness upon oral administration remain unknown. Our study has now shown that the application of a fluid containing 2% pea sprout extract on a defined scalp zone of 10 volunteers enhances the expression of defined genes relevant for hair, namely fibroblast growth factor‐7 (FGF7) and noggin, by 56 and 85%, respectively. Additionally, a subsequent pilot nutrition intervention study in 21 volunteers proved that pea sprout extract is also effective when consumed as dietary supplement. The daily intake of 100 mg pea sprout extract (AnaGain™ Nu) for 8 weeks significantly reduced hair loss already after 28 days of treatment (p < 0.002). No adverse events were reported. Consequently, pea sprout extract may be an effective means to safely promote hair growth and reduce hair loss in individuals experiencing excessive hair shedding.

Background: The skin is primarily affected by aging, especially when it is exposed to particulate matter present in the environment. It has been hypothesized that consumption of products with known antioxidant properties would help combat factors associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the formulation Blue Fenugreek Kale Extract (BFKE) on skin aging. Methods: In this study, the effect of BFKE on protein oxidation was determined in human dermal fibroblasts by analysis of the level of protein carbonylation after cells were stressed with either H₂O₂ or urban pollution consisting of particulate matter and UV-A. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study that evaluated the effect of BFKE consumption over a period of 56 days in 59 volunteers was performed. The major parameter studied was skin barrier dysfunction through the assessment of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Additional parameters analyzed clinically include skin moisture content, participant self-assessment of skin parameters, wrinkle severity, skin sagging and elasticity. Furthermore, low grade and allergic inflammatory biomarker levels were measured at the start and end of the treatment period, along with oxidative stress assessment using blood malondialdehyde levels. Results: BFKE significantly reduced protein carbonylation in human dermal fibroblasts stressed with urban pollution. In the clinical study, the TEWL level reduced significantly and at the same time the skin moisture content levels increased by end of the treatment period. No significant changes were observed in wrinkle severity, skin sagging, elasticity, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarker levels. Participant and investigator perception of treatment was significantly greater after product consumption, as was the improvement in skin parameters based on participant self-assessment. Conclusion: BFKE reduces protein oxidation induced by H₂O₂ and restores skin barrier function and skin hydration, while also combating early signs of aging.

The complex process of skin aging results in noticeable changes, including decreased collagen content, reduced elasticity, and decreased hydration. Interventions to preserve or restore collagen, a key structural protein, may help counteract these signs. The concept of "beauty from within” through nutritional supplements is of growing interest, particularly the use of plant-based alternatives to animal-derived or synthetic collagen. This study investigated the anti-aging potential of an extract from Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.), a natural plant-based compound. In vitro studies have shown that the extract stimulates genes crucial for skin structure. Further, a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in female volunteers demonstrated that oral supplementation with the extract significantly improves skin hydration and increases dermal and full-skin thickness. These findings suggest that the Moldavian dragonhead extract is a promising natural alternative to traditional interventions, offering a holistic approach to improve the skin's dermal network and combat skin aging.

The plant Santa herba (Eriodictyon californicum) contains high flavonoids, thus potentially exerting beneficial effects in context of obesity, often accompanied by inflammation and metabolic imbalance. The study assessed the impact of Santa herba on oxidative stress, energy metabolism, weight reduction, and eating behavior, combining in vitro models with clinical data. Santa herba binding of the adenosine receptor A2A (ADORA2A) was assessed using a radioligand binding assay. A Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to determine mobility boosting effects, and Santa herba oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values were determined in comparison to antioxidative plants. Clinical data, that is, body weight and appetite-related parameters, were obtained from overweight and obese women receiving either Santa herba or placebo for 12 weeks. Results showed that Santa herba extract binds to ADORA2A, stimulates C. elegans motility (+7.5%) and locomotion, and yields high antioxidative capacities (ORAC: 819 trolox equivalent). Clinical data, obtained from 24 overweight and 25 obese women (mean: 47.5 years), demonstrated a reduced body weight (P = .042) and body fat (P = .044), and by trend reduced leptin levels (P = .065) in women with obesity after Santa herba consumption compared to placebo. In conclusion, Santa herba extract has energizing and antioxidative properties and may aid in weight management of people with obesity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03853603.

The global increase in life expectancy has led to a growing elderly population, which places a significant burden on healthcare systems. As a result, there is a growing interest to improve healthspan and promote healthy aging with accessible means, such as nutrition and lifestyle interventions. The skin, the body's largest organ and first line of defense against environmental stressors, is particularly vulnerable to aging due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Various molecular and biochemical changes can drive skin aging, including the depletion of stem cells, which can lead to impaired skin properties. Nutrition plays a crucial role in skin aging, and dietary supplements could be a viable intervention to support a healthy skin. In this study, a plant callus extract from a specific apple variety (Malus Domestica Borkh), the Uttwiler Spätlauber, was evaluated as a dietary supplement to combat epidermal aging. The extract was found to maintain the function of keratinocyte progenitor cells during aging in vitro. Furthermore, an open-label pilot clinical study involving 31 female volunteers showed that the intake of apple callus extract led to improvements in skin elasticity, density, and firmness after 56 days of supplementation. This study highlights the potential of plant callus extracts as natural dietary supplements to support healthy skin aging. The use of plant callus cultures provides a sustainable and reproducible source of bioactive molecules, which is gaining acceptance in the nutraceutical market. These findings suggest that dietary interventions can play a role in promoting healthy skin aging and contribute to a holistic approach to improving healthspan during the aging process. 全球预期寿命的增长导致老年人口不断增加，这给医疗保健系统带来了巨大的负担。 因此，人们越来越有兴趣通过营养和生活方式干预等可行的手段来延长健康寿命并促进健康老龄化。皮肤是人体最大的器官，也是抵御环境压力的第一道防线，由于内在和外在因素的影响，皮肤特别容易衰老。各种分子和生化变化会导致皮肤老化，包括干细胞的消耗，这可能会导致皮肤特性受损。营养在皮肤老化中起着至关重要的作用，膳食补充剂可能是保持皮肤健康的可行干预措施。在这项研究中，对来自特定苹果品种（Malus Domestica Borkh）Uttwiler Spätlauber 的植物愈伤组织提取物作为对抗表皮衰老的膳食补充剂进行了评估。 研究发现该提取物在体外老化过程中可维持角质形成细胞祖细胞的功能。 此外，一项涉及 31 名女性志愿者的开放标签试点临床研究表明，摄入苹果愈伤组织提取物在 56 天后，皮肤弹性、密度和紧致度均有所改善。 这项研究强调了植物愈伤组织提取物作为天然膳食补充剂保持皮肤健康老化的潜力。 植物愈伤组织培养物的使用提供了可持续且重复的生物活性分子来源，这在营养保健品市场上正在获得认可。 这些发现表明，饮食干预可以在促进皮肤健康老化方面发挥作用，并有助于在衰老过程中采取整体方法来改善健康寿命。