Regenerative collagen and microcirculation enhancement of skin health by patented fermented nutraceutical: in vitro data and potential from a preliminary pilot clinical trial

Authors

  • Roberto Catanzaro
  • Francesco Marotta
  • Oksana Karaushu
  • Maki Osato
  • Ece Celik Atalay
  • Leila Hagshenas
  • Reza Rastmanesh
  • Cristiana Aperio
  • Gulcin Sagdicoglu Celep

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31989/bmp.v3i6.2019

Abstract

Background: Skin senescence is a multifaceted process that results from biological aging and exposure to various environmental factors (e.g., smoking, pollution, UV radiation, outer infections, climate change). In addition, skin health is clearly relevant to beauty care, especially—but not exclusively—in women. This has led to the creation of many skincare treatments that lack a rigorous scientific basis.

Objective: We aimed to study a patented fermented papaya preparation (FPP®) through in vitro testing and an in vivo pilot study and determine its measurable effects on collagen and the functional characteristics of skin.

Methods: Human fibroblasts were subjected to UV irradiation either alone or with FPP® to test collagen production and matrix metallo proteinase (MMP) gene expression. A placebo-controlled clinical study (FPP® vs. dextrose-cellulose: 4.5g twice a day for 3 months) was conducted with 26 women (42–56 years old). The clinical parameters tested were elasticity, moisture, trans-epidermal water loss, glow, and microcirculation. 

Results: FPP® proved to significantly increase collagen synthesis and protect skin from MMP upregulation in in vitro testing. On a clinical level, it improved all clinical variables tested at a 3-month observation.

Novelty of the Study: This study synergized the objective basic science and the related clinical benefits of FPP® intervention in skin aging.

Conclusions: Although limited data and limited observation time have been accumulated so far, our study suggests that the oral administration of a long-fermentation-processed papaya preparation may be of interest in an interventional strategy for skin aging.

Keywords: collagen synthesis, UVB-elicited MMPs upregulation, elasticity, moisture, trans-epithelial water loss, skin microcirculation, skin glowing, antioxidant capacity, skin texture, skin aging

Published

2026-06-10

Issue

Section

Articles