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.