Standardized Terminalia chebula Fruit Extract: A Natural Ingredient That Provides Long-Lasting Antioxidant Protection and Reverses Visible Signs of Pollution-Induced Skin Damage

BACKGROUND: Identification of long-lasting natural antioxidants to protect against and repair skin damage induced by exposure to environmental pollution is in high demand. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a standardized Terminalia chebula (TC) fruit extract for its long-lasting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reverse the visible signs of pollution-induced skin damage in an 8-week clinical study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chemical and cell-based in vitro studies were performed to characterize long-lasting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; a clinical study with subjects with normal to dry skin living in a high-pollution city for the previous 5 years was conducted to assess if a formulation containing 1% standardized TC fruit extract affected significant improvements in skin’s visible condition and appearance compared with its placebo. RESULTS: The standardized TC fruit extract provided longer-lasting and more efficient neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than tocopherol; treatment of keratinocytes with the fruit extract prior to being stressed with urban dust safeguarded against increases in intracellular ROS, inhibited release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 and protected membrane lipids against peroxidation. A clinical study yielded statistically significant improvements in dermatologist scores and subject self-assessments for skin texture, hydration, tone, firmness and radiance as compared to its placebo. CONCLUSION: These studies validate the use of this standardized TC fruit extract not only as a restorative to diminish visible signs of existing damage but also as a preventative to help defend skin against damages caused by chronic exposure to environmental pollution.