Pilot Study of Triphala and Rubia Cordifolia on Gut Microbiome and Skin
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Few studies have assessed the effects of Triphala and Rubia Cordifolia from a skin biophysical perspective. Here, we aim to understand how these herbs can modulate the skin's barrier properties and the gut microbiome.
Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
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N/A |
Detailed Description
Herbal supplements such as Rubia cordifolia and Triphala [a mix of Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Terminalia chebula (Haritaki)] are commonly used for skin based treatments in India. However, the scientific evidence for their specific effects on the skin are scant. Rubia cordifolia is a root that is used in skin care for pigmentation and inflammation.1 Triphala is thought to have antioxidant properties and reduce inflammation in general. Herbs have been shown to modulate the gut microbiome, as previous studies have suggested that triphala may modify the gut microbiome.2
However, few studies have assessed the effects of these herbs from a skin biophysical perspective. Here, we aim to understand how these herbs can modulate the skin's barrier properties and the gut microbiome.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
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Placebo Comparator: Placebo Group A: Placebo group (n = 10) Supplement appearing similar to Herbal formulations Each placebo tablet will contain microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, PVPK30, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, OpaDry orange coating. Dose: subjects in this group will take 4 placebo tablets per day |
Dietary Supplement: Placebo Oral Tablet
Group A: Placebo group (n = 10)
Supplement appearing similar to Herbal formulations
Each placebo tablet will contain microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, PVPK30, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, OpaDry orange coating.
Dose: subjects in this group will take 4 placebo tablets per day
|
Experimental: Rubia Cordifolia Group B: R. cordifolia group (n = 10) 2,000 mg R. cordifolia per day - supplied by Banyan Botanicals and following standard supplementation doses on commercially available supplement (https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/manjistha-tablets/) Each tablet contains 500 mg of R. cordifolia per tablet. |
Dietary Supplement: Rubia Cordifolia
Group B: R. cordifolia group (n = 10)
2,000 mg R. cordifolia per day - supplied by Banyan Botanicals and following standard supplementation doses on commercially available supplement (https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/manjistha-tablets/)
Each tablet contains 500 mg of R. cordifolia per tablet.
Other Names:
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Experimental: Triphala Group C: Triphala group (n= 10) Tablets of Triphala will be supplied from Banyan Botanicals (https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/triphala-tablets-11/) Each tablet contains mix Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula Dose: subjects will take 4 tablets per day, with a total dose of 2,000 mg of total herb. |
Dietary Supplement: Triphala
Group C: Triphala group (n= 10)
Tablets of Triphala will be supplied from Banyan Botanicals (https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/triphala-tablets-11/)
Each tablet contains mix Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula
Dose: subjects will take 4 tablets per day, with a total dose of 2,000 mg of total herb.
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Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Sebum excretion rate [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Sebum production measured by sebumeter
- Stool microbiome diversity via stool sample [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Stool microbiome diversity via stool sample
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Transepidermal water loss via Tewameter [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Transepidermal water loss via Tewameter
- Facial brightness measured via photographic assessment [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Facial brightness measured via photographic assessment
- Facial redness via photographic assessment [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Facial redness via photographic assessment
- Facial wrinkles via photographic assessment [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Facial wrinkles via photographic assessment
- Facial shine via photographic assessment [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
Facial shine via photographic assessment
- Digestion Questionnaire [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
We will assess digestive symptoms such as stooling patterns and regularity based on level of frequency (Never, Sometimes, Always, Unsure).
- Symptoms Questionnaire [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
We will assess general health related symptoms based on level of frequency (Never, Sometimes, Often, Unsure).
- Food Intake Log [4 weeks +/- 1 week]
We ask for a food diary that will account for all food and drink intake in a given day for three days prior to their next visit. The diary will note what food/beverage and how much of that item was consumed.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria for subjects:
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Age 18 to 60 years of age
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Subject must be able to read and comprehend study procedures and consent forms.
Exclusion Criteria for subjects:
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Subject should be generally healthy and have no smoking history in the past one year.
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Subjects must have no history of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, known cardiovascular disease, malignancy, kidney disease, or chronic steroid use.
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Those who are unable to discontinue topical medications for two weeks.
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Those who are unable to discontinue systemic antibiotics or oral probiotics for one month prior starting the study.
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Those who are unable to discontinue their Triphala and Rubia Cordifolia regimen for one month prior to starting study.
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Subjects who are postmenopausal
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Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Those that are prisoners or cognitively impaired
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Those who have a known allergy to Rubia cordifolia, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
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1 | University of California-Davis, Department of Dermatology | Sacramento | California | United States | 95816 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- University of California, Davis
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Raja Sivamani, MD, UC Davis
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 1174110