Work

Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation Containing Red Orange and Polypodium leucotomos Extracts on UVB-Induced Skin Responses: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Oral photoprotection is gaining attention as a complementary approach to conventional sun protection. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week dietary intervention with a syrup supplement containing Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), Red Orange Extract (ROE), and vitamins A, C, D, and E on minimal erythema dose (MED), UVB-induced erythema (Δa*), and pigmentation changes (ΔMI). Methods: In total, 54 fair-skinned participants (phototypes I–III) were randomized into either the intervention (IP) or placebo group (n = 27 per group). MED, Δa*, and ΔMI were assessed at baseline after 2 and 8 weeks of supplementation. Results: Throughout the intervention, MED gradually increased, while Δa* decreased in the IP group. While these changes were not statistically significant after 2 weeks, they reached significance after 8 weeks of intervention. By the end of the study, the IP group exhibited a significant 23.8% increase in MED (from 0.447 ± 0.096 to 0.553 ± 0.142 J/cm2; p < 0.05) and a 46.2% reduction in erythema intensity (from 2.40 ± 0.94 to 1.29 ± 1.04 au; p < 0.0001). In contrast, ΔMI in the IP group (from 0.67 ± 0.81 to 0.82 ± 0.96 au) were comparable to those observed in the placebo group, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that supplementation with PLE, ROE, and vitamins A, C, D, and E provides systemic photoprotection by enhancing UV tolerance and reducing erythema without affecting tanning response. This study supports oral supplementation as an adjunct to topical photoprotection, with prolonged use potentially yielding cumulative benefits.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu17071240

Authors: Petra Keršmanc, Tina Pogačnik, Janko Žmitek, Hristo Hristov, Olga Točkova, Katja Žmitek

Institutions: Higher School of Applied Sciences, Inštitut za Nutricionistiko, Ljubljana University Medical Centre

Language: English

Topic: Skin Protection and Aging

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499