薬理と治療

Abstract

Objectives　To investigate the effects on skin function of glucosylceramide extracted from potato, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted on healthy volunteers who were aware of dryness of the skin. Methods　Eighty healthy volunteers（Japanese men and women aged 30-59 years）were randomly assigned to receive either a capsule containing 1.8 mg of glucosylceramide extracted from potato or a placebo for 12 weeks. We conducted various skin evaluations: Transepidermal water loss（TEWL）, Skin moisture, Skin elasticity, Visual evaluation by a dermatologist（skin texture, skin symptoms）, and Visual Analogue Scale（VAS）questionnaire on the skin conditions. Results　TEWL values on the cheek in potato-derived glucosylceramides intake group were significantly decreased at 12 weeks in comparison to the control group. In stratified analysis of the group with TEWL ＜25 g╱hm2, the effects were confirmed more remarkably. TEWL was significantly improved, and the skin elasticity index R2 was also significantly increased. Furthermore, it was clarified that the subjective symptoms of the“overall skin condition”were significantly improved in VAS questionnaire. In addition, any clinical adverse events were not found throughout the study period. Conclusions　The present study suggests that oral intake of potato-derived glucosylceramides improved the skin barrier function through improving TEWL and maintained the elasticity of the skin, thereby subjects felt the improvement of their skin conditions. （resistration number：UMIN000042593）（Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2022；50：901‒14）