Comparative Effects of Agastache rugosa Extract and a Complex of Agastache rugosa,Ficus carica,and Lycium barbarum Extracts on Skin Aging: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Skin aging, driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leads to wrinkles and dryness, primarily due to reduced levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Agastache rugosa extract (Agatri^®, AG) and a complex of A. rugosa, Ficus carica, and Lycium barbarum extracts (AGEs Blocker™, AB) have been suggested to support skin health in previous studies. Based on preclinical evidence supporting AB’s superior efficacy compared to AG, we aimed to investigate whether these effects could also be observed in humans. To this end, we directly compared the effects of AG and AB on skin parameters in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-five participants were randomized to receive AG (1000 mg/day), AB (500 mg/day), or maltodextrin tablets for 12 weeks. After 8 and 12 weeks of supplementation, both AG and AB significantly reduced wrinkle size and transepidermal water loss compared to placebo. The skin moisture content, dermal density, and elasticity were also improved by supplementation with AG and AB. Notably, AB demonstrated greater efficacy than AG in enhancing these skin parameters. Taken together, this study provides the first clinical evidence that both AG and AB supplementation improves multiple features of skin aging, with AB demonstrating superior efficacy. These findings suggest that AG and AB may serve as promising candidates for the development of dietary supplements targeting skin health.