Effect on Skin Condition by 8-week Ingestion of Standardized Cherry Blossom Flower Extract (Sakura Extract-P)

Edible cherry blossom flowers are cultivated in Japan and China. We have previously confirmed that these flowers contain cinnamoyl glucose derivatives and flavonoid glucosides, which reduce advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in skin cells. However, the influence of cherry blossom flower extract (CBE) on the human skin has not been evaluated. Therefore, we conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of CBE supplementation in Japanese subjects to examine the effect of standardized CBE (150 mg daily) containing caffeoyl glucose (3 mg). CBE or placebo capsules were administered for 8 weeks to Japanese women aged 30 to 50 years. Skin condition and skin AGEs were evaluated before and after treatment. Photographs of the facial skin were also analyzed and skin symptoms were evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS). In the CBE group, skin AGEs showed a significant decrease by approximately 7%. In the placebo group, skin elasticity decreased significantly (13%), while no significant change was observed in the CBE group. Furthermore, analysis of photographs revealed a significant decrease of facial pigmented spots and reddish areas in the CBE group versus no significant changes in the placebo group. Thus, CBE was found to reduce skin AGEs, prevent loss of skin elasticity, and decrease facial pigmentation and reddish areas. These results suggest that daily oral intake of CBE might reduce AGE levels in the skin and improve facial pigmentation and reddening.