why choose us

300×250 Ad Slot

Research Article: Changes in dermoscopic photoaging and serum MMP-1 following 12?weeks of 5% lady finger banana peel extract nanoparticle serum: a single-arm proof-of-concept study

Date Published: 2026-08-12

Abstract:
Lady finger banana peel ( Musa acuminata Colla) contains several phytochemical compounds with antioxidant activity that may be relevant to skin aging. However, clinical evidence regarding its use as a nanoparticle-based topical formulation remains limited. To evaluate within-participant changes in facial photoaging manifestations and serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels following 12?weeks of topical application of a 5% lady finger banana peel extract nanoparticle serum. This prospective, single-center, single-arm, uncontrolled pretest–posttest proof-of-concept study enrolled women aged 25–50?years with clinical signs of facial skin aging. Participants applied 10 drops, approximately 0.5?mL, of the study serum once nightly for 12?weeks. Serum MMP-1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and week 12. Dermoscopy Photoaging Scale (DPAS) scores were evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. Changes in serum MMP-1 levels and DPAS scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test, respectively. Adherence and adverse events were evaluated throughout the study. Fifty participants were enrolled, of whom one discontinued the study because of non-adherence. A total of 49 participants completed the study and were included in the analysis. Mean serum MMP-1 levels decreased from 0.48?±?0.39?ng/mL at baseline to 0.26?±?0.25?ng/mL at week 12 ( p <?0.001). Mean DPAS scores decreased from 12.69?±?0.92 at baseline to 9.51?±?0.77 at week 12 ( p <?0.001). Changes in DPAS scores were modestly correlated with changes in serum MMP-1 levels ( r =?0.347; p =?0.015). No adverse events were observed or reported among participants who completed the study. Lower DPAS scores and serum MMP-1 levels were observed following 12?weeks of topical serum use. Because this was an uncontrolled single-arm study, the findings should be regarded as preliminary and do not establish treatment efficacy, causality, systemic absorption, or modulation of cutaneous MMP-1. Randomized vehicle-controlled studies incorporating local skin biomarkers are required.

Introduction:
Lady finger banana peel ( Musa acuminata Colla) contains several phytochemical compounds with antioxidant activity that may be relevant to skin aging. However, clinical evidence regarding its use as a nanoparticle-based topical formulation remains limited.

Read more

300×250 Ad Slot