Anklam Extrakt’s maqui berry supplement brightens skin in clinical trial

14 Dec 2020 --- Anklam Extrakt’s maqui berry extract has been shown to increase skin brightness and collagen content while reducing skin redness over eight weeks.

The findings reveal the potential for Delphinol, an anthocyanin-standardized maqui berry extract, to expand its reach into the growing beauty-from-within category, positioned to maintain healthy facial skin.

Maqui berry has been shown in previous studies to exhibit a range of health benefits, note the researchers. These include anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antidepressant, anti-obese, memory-improving and dry-eye relief effects.

However, little has been researched on the influence of maqui berry extract on the human skin, the study authors note.   

“In addition to Japan, we are targeting all Asian countries with our beauty-from-within concept,” Christina Gruber, marketing manager at Anklam Extrakt tells NutritionInsight.

“To conduct the study with women of being born in Japan gives us an additional selling point in all Asian countries.”

Positive findings for skin brightness
In the group of participants who took Deliphol, skin saturation significantly increased after eight weeks and reddish spots significantly decreased after four weeks of intake. 

The saturation was evaluated with the Robo Skin Analyzer and reflects blood circulation and dullness.

The collagen score, which decreases with age, slightly increased following Delphinol ingestion for eight weeks. The collagen score and dermal thickness were analyzed via DermaLab. In addition to its studied health benefits, the dark purple fruit exhibits antioxidant activity, which can protect food from oxidation.

Not all skin parameters improved
The research found no significant difference, however, in pigmentation, number and length of wrinkles, texture, oil content, water content, transepidermal water loss, dermis thickness or elasticity of the skin. 

All skin parameters were measured in an air-conditioned room at 25˚C ± 1˚C. Prior to the study, the subjects washed their faces. After wiping, the subject was acclimated for 15 minutes. 

The study’s design
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study with Delphinol was performed with 16 healthy Japanese female subjects.  

The supplement in the trial was composed of ≥35 percent anthocyanin glycosides, ≥25 percent delphinidin glycosides and 120 mg of maltodextrin. The placebo contained maltodextrin alone. 

Capsules containing 60 mg of Delphinol or placebo were orally administered to subjects aged 27 to 57 years old for eight weeks. 

Subjects were examined for skin conditions before the start of treatment and after four and eight weeks of intervention.

A potent superfruit 
In addition to its studied health benefits, the dark purple fruit exhibits antioxidant activity, which can protect food from oxidation. They are also hailed for their large amounts of anthocyanins, especially delphinidin glycosides, which are strong antioxidants.

Their natural protective capabilities in processed foods, such as liquors, beverages and functional foods has increased the demand for maqui berry products, notes the company.

Speaking with NutritionInsight last year, Anklam Extrakt’s Claudia Pühn stated that the company had secured the entire maqui berry supply chain from Patagonia – the only region where the berry is grown.

NutritionInsight recently spoke with Pühn in a video interview about the company’s green oat extract boosting cognitive function.

By Missy Green