Evaluation of a Novel Anti-Aging Topical Formulation Containing Cycloastragenol, Growth Factors, Peptides, and Antioxidants
September 2014 | Volume 13 | Issue 9 | Original Article | 1135 | Copyright © September 2014
Robert A. Weiss MD FAAD FACPh and Margaret A. Weiss MD
Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Maryland Laser Skin and Vein Institute, Baltimore, MD
Abstract
BACKGROUND / OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the efficacy, tolerance, and usability of a single product containing cycloastragenol,
growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants to decrease the visible signs of aging, including fine lines, and wrinkles, texture, pore size,
elasticity, skin color/clarity, redness, hydration, and overall skin quality.
METHODS: Twenty subjects were enrolled in a 12-week, open-label, patient-assessment study. Subjects used a gentle cleanser,
cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants (Regeneration Boosterâ„¢, Jan Marini Skin Research (San Jose, CA) and
a broad spectrum SPF for the duration of the 12-week study. Assessments were taken at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. All assessments
were compared against baseline for statistical significance.
RESULTS: Eighteen of the twenty subjects completed the 12-week study. Improvement was significant after just 2 weeks of use for
all measured categories except erythema and significant for all categories at 12 weeks. One hundred percent of study subjects noted
improvement in at least 3 or more of the 8 assessed categories with an average improvement in 6.7 categories. Improvement response
rate for individual categories ranged from 67% to 100% of study subjects. There were zero cases of sensitivity or irritation and product
smell, feel and ease of application were rated “positive†by 100% of study subjects. Photographic improvement was most notable in
texture and lines on the cheeks and eye area.
CONCLUSION: Regeneration Booster, when used as a stand–alone anti-aging solution, delivers rapid and significant reduction in the
visible signs of aging. Subject satisfaction was extremely high and there were zero reported cases of sensitivity or irritation. Based
on these observations, Regeneration Booster is a safe and effective topical product for individuals seeking significant improvement
in the appearance of aging skin.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(9):1135-1139.
INTRODUCTION
The professionally dispensed topical anti-aging market
continues to grow and evolve driven by new ingredients,
advancements in formulations, and new utilizations
of synergistic combinations of proven ingredients. It is
estimated that from 2011 to 2015 global sales of physician-dispensed
topical products will increase by 12.2% per year. 1
This study investigates the in vivo efficacy of an advanced,
patented, anti-aging formulation consisting of multiple antiaging
technologies. Key technologies in the tested product
include cycloastragenol, peptide forms of three growth factors:
Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (rh-polypeptide-22),
Keratinocyte Growth Factor (sh-Polypeptide-3), Epidermal
Growth Factor (sh-Oligopeptide-1), and four anti-aging/skinconditioning
peptides: Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-12, Myristoyl
Pentapeptide-11, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, and Myristoyl Pentapeptide-
8. Regeneration Booster also contains a broad range
of topical antioxidants: Coenzyme Q10, Green Tea Extract, Hyaluronic
Acid, Ceramides-2, and multiple essential fatty acids
to sooth hydrate and protect the skin.
Cycloastragenol is a new topical compound and central ingredient
in the tested product. A purified extract from the astragalus
membranaceous root, cycloastragenol is a strong antioxidant
and also shown to significantly reduce many of the visible
signs of aging. 2, 3 It is also shown to increase telomerase activity
both in vivo and in vitro and is purported to potentially delay
and or reverse visible signs of aging. 3 These anti-aging and future-
preventative benefits are combined with multiple growth
factors and peptides shown to enhance skin function, stimulate
collagen and fibroblast production, and increase cell proliferation
in the skin with the intent to reduce the appearance of lines
and wrinkles and improve skin texture. 4, 5
Green tea extract is a powerful antioxidant with multiple beneficial
effects for photo-damaged and aging skin. Green tea is shown to
significantly decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles, reduce
inflammation, and decrease the damage from oxidative stress. 6, 7, 8,
9 The essential fatty acid, linolenic acid, is also shown to be efficacious
in inhibiting UV-induced hyperpigmentation. 9 Ceramides-2
and sodium hyaluronate further assist to hydrate the skin.
