1. Introduction
inflammation, moisture loss
INFLAMMATION, SKIN CONDITION, SKIN, OXIDATIVE STRESS
Oxidative stress in the skin, induced by an unhealthy lifestyle and exposure to UVB radiation, leads to skin aging, including reduced elasticity, formation of wrinkles, moisture loss, and inflammation. In a previous study, we revealed the photoaging effects of enzyme-treated caviar extract (CV) by regulating collagen and hyaluronic acid synthase, melanogenesis, anti-oxidant mechanisms, and inflammation in a UVB irradiation-induced mice model. HPLC and MALDI-TOF were performed to determine the effect of enzyme treatment on the free amino acid contents and peptide molecular weight in supercritical caviar extract. As results of the analysis, CV is mainly composed of low-molecular-weight peptides consisting of leucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Based on our in vitro and in vivo study, we conducted a clinical trial to assess the skin anti-aging efficacy of CV. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we measured indicators related to elasticity, wrinkles, and skin hydration at 4 and 8 weeks after consumption of CV. The subjects were categorized into caviar, combination, and placebo groups. After 4 weeks, skin hydration, dermal hydration, and transepidermal water loss all showed significant improvement. Furthermore, after 8 weeks, skin elasticity indexes—R2 (total elasticity), R5 (net elasticity), and R7 (ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation)—exhibited significant increases. Improvement in wrinkle indicators (Rmax, Ra, and Rz) and the whitening indicator melanin pigment was also observed. This is the first report showing that CV has significant skin anti-aging efficacy on human skin. In conclusion, our study suggests that CV can be used as skin anti-aging nutraceuticals through positive effects on skin condition in clinical trials.Caviar, the processed or salted roe of the sturgeon, is a rich source of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals [Skin, a crucial organ comprising diverse cell types and multiple layers, functions as a physical barrier against environmental factors, regulates hydration levels, and maintains physiological balance [As shown in Consequently, the current study aims to conduct a clinical evaluation of the safety and skin anti-aging efficacy of CV based on an in vivo study. For this purpose, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 45 adults aged 30 to 65 years with wrinkles and dry skin. CV was prescribed to two treatment groups (10 and 500 mg) over an 8-week period to assess its skin anti-aging efficacy by measuring parameters such as hydration, elasticity, melanin content, wrinkles, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The safety profile of CV was evaluated through hematological, biochemical, and urine tests conducted after the 8-week trial period. Furthermore, amino acid and protein analysis was performed to determine which components of CV exhibit skin anti-aging effects. Our study is the first report verifying the exceptional skin anti-aging efficacy of CV.