Effects of Cocoa Flavanol on Skin Aging

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Photoaging is caused by the superposition of chronic ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage on the intrinsic aging process, and accounts for the majority of age-associated changes in skin appearance. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) likely contribute to this process. Strategies utilizing endogenous skin antioxidants as well as plant-derived or synthetic compounds have been examined. Cocoa beans fresh from the tree are exceptionally rich in polyphenols, such as flavanol, and have a higher antioxidant capacity. The present study is designed to investigate the effects of long-term intake of a product rich in cocoa flavanols on facial wrinkles, hydration, elasticity and photosensitivity.

Official Title
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Effects of 24-week Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation on Photo-aged Facial Skin

Conditions
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Ageing, Photo-aging

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Cocoa flavanol beverage
* Dietary Supplement: Placebo beverage


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy females aged ≥ 40 years Facial wrinkle grade ≥ 2 Exclusion Criteria: received medical or cosmetic treatment that interferes with the general aging process at least 3 months before the study reported taking functional foods 1 month before the study history of acute or chronic disease such as severe liver or kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes history of allergies against any component of trial foods any visible skin disease that might be confused with a skin reaction to the test procedure

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Cocoa flavanol beverage<br>flavanol 320mg/day | Dietary Supplement: Cocoa flavanol beverage<br> <br> * Other names: High-flavanol cocoa;|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo beverage<br>no flavanol | Dietary Supplement: Placebo beverage<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in skin wrinkles at week 24 | Facial wrinkles in the crow's feet area measured as R1-3 | baseline, week 24 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in skin elasticity at week 24 | Facial elasticity measured as R2, R5, R7 | baseline, week 24 | 
| Change from baseline in minimal erythema dose at week 24 |  | baseline, week 24 | 
| Change from baseline in skin hydration at week 12 | Skin hydration measured by Corneometer | baseline, week 12 | 
| Change from baseline in skin color at week 12 | Skin color measured as erythema index and melanin index | baseline, week 12 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Anti-aging, High-flavanol cocoa