Sehee Hwang, Jihyun Won, Suyeon Kim, Wonku Kang, Miyoung Park
{"title":"Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Cellulite Severity, Skin Elasticity, and Hair Shaft Diameter: A Clinical Study with Pharmacokinetic Evaluation.","authors":"Sehee Hwang, Jihyun Won, Suyeon Kim, Wonku Kang, Miyoung Park","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261428336","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1096620X261428336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential applications of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides (LMWCPs), produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of fish skin-derived gelatin using a specific protease. LMWCP is enriched in Gly-X-Y tripeptide sequences, particularly Gly-Pro-Hyp (GPH). Preliminary human pharmacokinetic data showed that oral LMWCP markedly increased systemic exposure to GPH, yielding an approximately 54-fold higher area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 2 h (3388 ± 1084 ng·h/mL) than general collagen. In a subsequent randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 114 women aged 20-50 years with thigh cellulite and self-reported hair thinning received either LMWCP (1000 mg/day) or placebo for 24 weeks. Efficacy endpoints included cellulite severity, dermal-subcutaneous border length, skin roughness, skin elasticity, and hair diameter. The LMWCP group demonstrated significant improvements in cellulite severity, dermal-subcutaneous border length, skin roughness, and skin elasticity at weeks 12 and 24 compared to the placebo group. Hair diameter also increased significantly at week 24, with a larger proportion of participants in the LMWCP group exhibiting measurable hair thickening. These findings indicate that LMWCP, characterized by high GPH content and enhanced systemic exposure resulting from targeted enzymatic hydrolysis, exerts beneficial effects on both skin and hair parameters. Daily intake of LMWCP for 24 weeks effectively reduces thigh cellulite and promotes hair thickness, supporting its potential as an orally administered functional ingredient for skin and hair health.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"187-195"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Heat-Treated Culture-Dried <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> L-14 Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity in Adipose Tissue.","authors":"Jeongjin Park, Woojin Jun","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261434662","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1096620X261434662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity is a major global health concern associated with metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation. Hence, we investigated the effects of heat-treated culture-dried <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> L-14 (L14) supplementation on lipid metabolism and obesity-related metabolic dysregulation in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD with or without L14 supplementation for 10 weeks. Throughout this period, body weight, fat mass, and biochemical parameters were evaluated, while adipose tissue was analyzed for histological changes and gene expression related to lipogenesis and lipolysis. L14 supplementation significantly reduced body weight and fat mass without affecting food intake. Serum glucose levels, lipid profiles, and liver function markers were improved in the supplemented groups. Histological and micro-CT analyses showed reduced fat mass and adipocyte size in adipose tissue. At the molecular level, L14 downregulated key lipogenic genes <i>SREBP-1</i>, <i>PPARγ</i>, <i>SCD1</i>, <i>FAS</i>, <i>ACC</i>, and <i>DCAT</i> while upregulating genes <i>AMPK</i>, <i>PGC-1α</i>, <i>PPARα</i>, <i>ATGL</i>, <i>HSL</i>, <i>UCP-1</i>, and <i>CPT-1</i> involved in lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. These findings indicate that L14 suppresses lipid synthesis while enhancing lipid breakdown and energy utilization in adipose tissue. L14 effectively mitigated HFD-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation by modulating lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. These results suggest that L14 has potential as a functional probiotic for the management of obesity and related metabolic disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"232-240"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147512811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ha Na Kim, Minhee Park, Kyoungae Won, Yuri Park, Myeonghwan Oh, Jeongrai Lee, Miyeong Lee, Tae-Gyu Lim, Wonchul Lim
{"title":"Anthocyanin-Containing Rose Petal Extract for Photoaging Improvement: A 12-Week Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Ha Na Kim, Minhee Park, Kyoungae Won, Yuri Park, Myeonghwan Oh, Jeongrai Lee, Miyeong Lee, Tae-Gyu Lim, Wonchul Lim","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261430177","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1096620X261430177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin photoaging, characterized by wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dryness, and pigmentation, is primarily driven by UV-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Polyphenol-rich botanicals, particularly anthocyanin-containing <i>Rosa chinensis</i> Jacq. petals, have shown promising antioxidant and collagen-supportive properties in preclinical studies, yet clinical evidence has been lacking. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a standardized <i>Rosa chinensis</i> petal extract (RPE; NOVAROSE<sup>®</sup>) in 100 healthy men and women aged 25-65 years over 12 weeks. Participants received one tablet per day containing 300 mg of RPE or placebo. Skin parameters were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12 using validated instruments. RPE supplementation significantly improved wrinkle indices, skin roughness, elasticity, dermal density, and sagging compared with placebo. Additionally, RPE increased hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss, and decreased stratum corneum desquamation, reflecting enhanced barrier and renewal functions. Additionally, RPE significantly improved skin hydration and barrier function, as evidenced by increased hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased stratum corneum desquamation, and enhanced skin brightness (L*). Compliance exceeded 95%, and no serious adverse events were reported. These findings provide the first clinical evidence that anthocyanin-containing RPE supplementation yields meaningful improvements in both structural and functional markers of skin health. RPE is a safe, plant-based nutraceutical with potential as a systemic oral strategy for managing photoaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"196-204"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hee-Sook Lim, Dong Hoon Jung, Ha Yul Kim, Jung Wan Lee, Young Sun Kim, Hyeri Shin
{"title":"Fermented Whey Protein Supplement Slows the Progression of Frailty and Sarcopenia Among Older Korean Adults: A Randomized Blinded Trial.","authors":"Hee-Sook Lim, Dong Hoon Jung, Ha Yul Kim, Jung Wan Lee, Young Sun Kim, Hyeri Shin","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261430172","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1096620X261430172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As the global population ages, frailty and sarcopenia have emerged as pressing public health challenges due to their impact on functional decline and increased health care burden. This study assessed the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria-fermented whey protein (LAB-FWP) supplementation for improving physical function and nutritional markers in community-dwelling older Korean adults. A total of 45 individuals aged 65 years and older (body mass index 18.5-30) who had not used protein supplements in the prior 6 months were enrolled in a 10-week, randomized, blinded trial. Participants were assigned to either the intervention group (<i>n</i> = 22), which received 38 g/day of LAB-FWP, or the control group (<i>n</i> = 23), which received a taste- and texture-matched dextrin placebo. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in physical performance, including an increase in electronic Short Physical Performance Battery (eSPPB) scores (<i>P</i> = .034) and hand grip strength (<i>P</i> = .043). Nutritional biomarkers also improved markedly: dietary vitamin D intake increased from 2.2 to 11.6 µg, calcium intake from 280.9 to 566.7 mg, and magnesium intake from 135.5 to 316.3 mg (all <i>P</i> < .001). Compared with controls, the intervention group showed greater gains in skeletal muscle mass index (Δ = 1.5, <i>P</i> = .004) and eSPPB scores (Δ = 1.4, <i>P</i> = .017). Regression analysis revealed that physical function was positively associated with improvements in nutrition. Daily supplementation with LAB-FWP led to clinically meaningful enhancements in both functional capacity and nutritional status, suggesting its potential as a practical strategy to mitigate age-related frailty and sarcopenia.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"205-213"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative Effects of <i>Agastache rugosa</i> Extract and a Complex of <i>Agastache rugosa</i>, <i>Ficus carica</i>, and <i>Lycium barbarum</i> Extracts on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.","authors":"YoungWoo Cho, Jiahao Shen, Jun Li, JinHee Yoo","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261431197","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1096620X261431197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin aging, driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leads to wrinkles and dryness, primarily due to reduced levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid. <i>Agastache rugosa</i> extract (Agatri<sup>®</sup>, AG) and a complex of <i>A. rugosa</i>, <i>Ficus carica</i>, and <i>Lycium barbarum</i> extracts (AGEs Blocker™, AB) have been suggested to support skin health in previous studies. Based on preclinical evidence supporting AB's superior efficacy compared to AG, we aimed to investigate whether these effects could also be observed in humans. To this end, we directly compared the effects of AG and AB on skin parameters in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-five participants were randomized to receive AG (1000 mg/day), AB (500 mg/day), or maltodextrin tablets for 12 weeks. After 8 and 12 weeks of supplementation, both AG and AB significantly reduced wrinkle size and transepidermal water loss compared to placebo. The skin moisture content, dermal density, and elasticity were also improved by supplementation with AG and AB. Notably, AB demonstrated greater efficacy than AG in enhancing these skin parameters. Taken together, this study provides the first clinical evidence that both AG and AB supplementation improves multiple features of skin aging, with AB demonstrating superior efficacy. These findings suggest that AG and AB may serve as promising candidates for the development of dietary supplements targeting skin health.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"214-221"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147433766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Review on <i>In Silico</i> Evaluation of Flavonoids as Potential Pharmaceutical Ingredients.","authors":"Sinan Simsek, Emel Akyol, Ilknur Kucuk","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261430296","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1096620X261430296","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Flavonoids have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and are promising candidates for therapeutic and health-promoting applications. The effects of bioactive compounds on health are contingent upon their ingestion and bioavailability. The impact of flavonoids on humans and their potential as food supplements can often be predicted using <i>in silico</i> ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) modeling. The aim of this review is to examine the drug-like properties of flavonoids using SwissADME and evaluate their pharmaceutical potential as supplements. In the future, flavonoids are expected to find wider use not only as food preservatives or colorants but also as functional food ingredients and nutraceutical supplements. Trends in personalized nutrition, healthy aging, and strategies for chronic disease prevention will particularly enhance the value of flavonoids. However, for this potential to be realized, clarification of regulations, strengthening of toxicological data, and intensifying collaboration between industry and academia are crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"1096620X261430296"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147444135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jon Sin, Hong-An Tran, Thanh X Hoang, Anh K Nguyen, Ferre Akbarpour, Bo Han, Ba X Hoang
{"title":"Nowarta110 Displays Antiviral Properties Against Coxsackievirus B and Herpes Simplex Virus 2.","authors":"Jon Sin, Hong-An Tran, Thanh X Hoang, Anh K Nguyen, Ferre Akbarpour, Bo Han, Ba X Hoang","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261427691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1096620X261427691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nowarta110 is a novel fig extract and colloidal silver therapeutic composition initially designed to treat plantar warts caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). In a recent study, we also demonstrated that our nutraceutical formulation exhibits potent antitumoral activity in mice xenografted with HPV-transformed cells. Fig extracts have been shown to provide antiviral effects toward a number of viruses; thus, to explore Nowarta110's potential antiviral activity, we evaluated its impact on <i>in vitro</i> models of both Coxsackievirus B (CVB) and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections. We found that Nowarta110 significantly reduced infection of human cells with both CVB and herpes simplex virus 2. In all, these findings demonstrate that Nowarta110 possesses antiviral properties against a broad range of viruses. Thus, further studies interrogating its antiviral therapeutic potential are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"1096620X261427691"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147355503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chaimae Alla, Anca Lucau-Danila, Afaf Mehiou, Zachee L E Akissi, Jean-Louis Hilbert, Abdelkhaleq Legssyer, Sevser Sahpaz, Abderrahim Ziyyat
{"title":"Nutrigenomic Insights and Cardiovascular Benefits of Jujube Tree (<i>Ziziphus lotus</i> L.).","authors":"Chaimae Alla, Anca Lucau-Danila, Afaf Mehiou, Zachee L E Akissi, Jean-Louis Hilbert, Abdelkhaleq Legssyer, Sevser Sahpaz, Abderrahim Ziyyat","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261427698","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1096620X261427698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Ziziphus lotus</i> has traditionally been used as a phytotherapeutic agent for cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, nervous, and reproductive health. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach combining <i>in vivo</i> nutrigenomic analyses, cardiovascular physiology experiments, and phytochemical and ethnobotanical data was employed to investigate the effects of aqueous <i>Z. lotus</i> extract (ZLex). ZLex significantly upregulated genes involved in nitric oxide synthesis (<i>Camk1</i>, <i>Gch1</i>), smooth muscle relaxation, and angiotensin degradation, correlating with reductions in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure. In addition, ZLex modulated key neurotransmission-related genes (<i>Dbh</i>, <i>Htr2a</i>, <i>Gabrg3</i>), supporting its potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective actions. Immune modulation was indicated by the upregulation of genes associated with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial responses. Metabolic benefits were linked to the regulation of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and body weight control. Positive effects on reproductive health were suggested by the induction of genes implicated in spermatogenesis. These effects are likely mediated by bioactive constituents such as rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, 3',5'-di-C-β-glucopyranosylphloretin, a quercetin dirhamnosyl-galactoside, and myricetin-3-O-rutinoside. Altogether, the findings provide mechanistic support for the traditional use of <i>Z. lotus</i> and highlight its therapeutic potential in managing hypertension and other chronic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and anxiety.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"1096620X261427698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147355657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiao-Xuan Du, Yun Hee Jeong, Gyuri Han, Jong-Sup Bae
{"title":"Anticoagulant Effects of Albiflorin via Factor Xa Inhibition.","authors":"Xiao-Xuan Du, Yun Hee Jeong, Gyuri Han, Jong-Sup Bae","doi":"10.1177/1096620X261422285","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1096620X261422285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Albiflorin (AF), a primary bioactive compound from the roots of <i>Paeonia lactiflora</i> Pall. (Peony), demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the antithrombotic potential of AF and clarify its mechanisms of action. Its anticoagulant effects were assessed via activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin, and factor Xa (FXa) activities, as well as fibrin formation and platelet aggregation. Additionally, the effect of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and tissue-type plasminogen activator was evaluated in tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our experiments revealed that AF exhibited antithrombotic activity comparable to that of rivaroxaban, a well-established direct FXa inhibitor, particularly in suppressing FXa activity and platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and U46619, a synthetic thromboxane A2 analog. AF also reduced the surface expression of P-selectin, inhibited phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate, and decreased PAC-1 activation following ADP or U46619 stimulation. Furthermore, AF enhanced nitric oxide production while preventing excess endothelin-1 release in HUVECs exposed to these agonists. <i>In vivo</i> experiments in mouse models of arterial and pulmonary thrombosis demonstrated that AF is a potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent. These findings indicate that AF could serve as a promising lead compound for developing innovative anti-FXa and antiplatelet therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"127-136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of medicinal foodPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-04-02DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2020.4876.correx
{"title":"<i>Correction to:</i> Effects of a Mixture of <i>Humulus japonicus</i> on Longitudinal Bone Growth in Hypophysectomized Rats by Kim et al. Journal of Medicinal Food 2021;24(5):497-504; doi: 10.1089/jmf.2020.4876.","authors":"","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2020.4876.correx","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2020.4876.correx","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"178-179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143988730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}