Cassia fistula, a flowering plant in the family of Caesalpinaceae (Fabaceae),\nis used in traditional medicine for several indications. Nevertheless, too little is known about\nits effects on skin conditions and skin aging. Therefore, in this pioneering study, the extracts\nof oil-in-water macro-emulsions containing 5% C. fistula (L.) crude pods (i.e., phyto-active\nformulation) were optimally developed and compared to the placebo (i.e., emulsions without\nthe crude extract) for assessment of their effects on human skin aging. Healthy adult male\nvolunteers (n = 13) with a mean age of 31 Ã?± 5.5 years (range: 24ââ?¬â??47 years) were enrolled\nafter informed written consent. For 12 consecutive weeks, the subjects were directed to use a\npatch containing the active emulsion on one of their forearms as well as a patch containing\nthe placebo on their other forearm. Biometrological measurements of skin hydration (SH)\nand transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed on both sides of their respective\ncheeks at time 0 (baseline values), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12th weeks. Surface evaluation of living\nskin (SELS) was taken at time 0 (baseline values) or after 1, 2 and 3 months. Topical\napplication of C. fistula extracts showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in stratum corneum\nhydration level, a significant enhancement in its water-holding function as well as in its barrier\nfunction. Further, significant (p < 0.005) ameliorations of skin aspects were observed (i.e., less\nroughness, less dryness, less wrinkles). Taken together, our results strongly suggest therapeutic\nand esthetic potential of C. fistula podââ?¬â?¢s extracts to prevent or delay human skin aging.
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