The two signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the randomised, placebo-controlled trial that is ongoing in Malaysia.
A supplier of palm phytonutrients, PhytoGaia will be providing the study material known as STGaiaTM for this trial.
STGaiaTM is the firm’s trademarked ingredient that consists of natural plant squalene and tocotrienol/ tocopherol complex. According to the firm, it was developed to address dry and aging skin conditions.
The trial, titled "Alterations in Skin Hydration, Moisture, and Genomic in Subjects with Dry Skin Conditions following Daily Oral Palm Tocotrienol and Squalene (STGaia™) Supplementation," is the first human clinical study conducted using the ingredient.
A total of 36 men and women between 25 and 45 years old experiencing minor skin issues, such as dry, scaly, and itchy symptoms, will be recruited.
To qualify, they will be screened based on the Xerosis Area and Severity Index (XASI), where they will need to score at least 10 or above.
During the 70-day trial, the participants will be randomised to take either a high or low dose of STGaiaTM daily.
The high dose group will take 100mg plant squalene and 56mg of tocotrienol daily, while the low dose group will take 50mg plant squalene and 28mg tocotrienol.
Dr Kasthuri Bai Magalingam from Monash University is the principal investigator of the trial.
Filling the research gap
The trial is aimed at fulfilling the research gap in vitamin E and squalene supplementation’s effects on skin health, said Dr. Ariati Aris, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia.
“Recognising this gap in knowledge, the trial aims to conduct a proof-of-concept study to provide scientific evidence. By focusing on the protective effect of plant squalene and tocotrienols, the study seeks to address the specific needs of individuals with dry skin-related issues."
Parameters such as skin sebum content, skin hydration, and trans-epidermal water loss will be examined to gain insights into the potential benefits of palm squalene and tocotrienols for improving skin health, she added.
Nutrigenomic analysis to analyse results
The trial will tap on nutrigenomic analysis to measure the effects of squalene and tocotrienols supplementation on dry skin.
“Another important aspect of this study is the nutrigenomic analyses that will provide a comprehensive understanding of how STGaiaTM supplementation influences gene experession and skin at the molecular level, which has not been done before,” said Bryan See, vice president at PhytoGaia.
For instance, the researchers will conduct gene microarray study on the blood sample focusing on skin tissue related gene expression.
However, the researchers are not finalising the gene yet, Dr. Ariati said in response to queries from NutraIngredients-Asia.
She added that there were two other new clinical trials for STGaiaTM in the pipeline, focusing on cognitive health and its level of bioavailability through different delivery systems.
