Oral supplementation with piceatannol improves skin hydration and reduces wrinkle severity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background/objectives The skin is the largest organ of the human body and undergoes age-related changes, such as reduced hydration, loss of elasticity, and wrinkle formation, which can affect appearance and quality of life. Piceatannol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has attracted attention as a functional ingredient for maintaining skin health. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of piceatannol intake on skin hydration and the severity of wrinkles. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy Japanese women aged 30–59 years were made to ingest a drink containing 10 mg of piceatannol derived from passion fruit seeds, or a matching placebo, once daily for 8 weeks. Stratum corneum hydration, and wrinkle grades were assessed at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results Eighty-six participants were enrolled in the trial and 82 participants were included in the analysis. The piceatannol group exhibited a statistically significant increase in facial stratum corneum hydration compared to the placebo group. In addition, wrinkle grades showed that wrinkles improved significantly in the piceatannol group compared to in the placebo. Conclusion Intake of piceatannol could serve as an effective dietary intervention for improving skin hydration and wrinkles. Clinical trial registration https: //center6. umin. ac. jp/cgi-open-bin/icdrₑ/ctrᵥiew. cgi? recptno=R000064440, identifier UMIN000056580.