Review: Botanicals to reduce skin aging and wrinkling

Prof. Ernst tells us, “Although topical creams and other anti-aging products purport to reduce the appearance of aging and skin wrinkling, there has been no critical analysis in the scientific literature of their effectiveness.”

Get ready.

First, the details.

• 11 studies of botanical extracts for reducing skin wrinkling and the appearance of aging met all the inclusion criteria.
• All of the studies were poorly designed.

And, the results.

• A significant reduction in skin wrinkling was noted for…
  • Date kernel extract
  • Cork extract
  • Soy extract
  • Rosaceae
  • Peony extract
• No significant reduction was noted for…
  • Green tea
  • Vitaphenol® (a combination of green and white teas, mangosteen and pomegranate extract)
  • Maca root
• Adverse effects were frequently not reported.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “There is some weak evidence to suggest that several botanical extracts may be effective in reducing the appearance of skin aging but no evidence that this effect is enduring.”

11/22/10 19:48 JR