A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Moisturizing Effects of Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) in Working-Age Adults and its Effects on Gene Expression in HaCaT Keratinocytes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.10869Keywords:
Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.), Skin oiliness, Skin moisture, Skin creases, Gene expression, Working-age adultsAbstract
Allergic contact dermatitis commonly affects working-age adults due to repeated allergen exposure, leading to skin barrier damage, water loss, and oxidative stress. Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) (A. schmidtii) is traditionally used in Thai medicine to improve skin hydration. This study aimed to compare the effects of A. schmidtii, coconut, and cold creams on skin moisture, oiliness, and skin creases in working-age adults. Moreover, antioxidant activity and potential mechanisms were investigated by analyzing skin moisture-related gene expression in keratinocyte cells. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 45 volunteers was conducted. Participants applied A. schmidtii, coconut, and cold creams to the dorsal hands. Skin moisture, oiliness, and creases were assessed using the Corneometer® CM820/CM825, Sebumeter® SM815, and stereomicroscopic image analysis, respectively. The results exhibited that skin moisture and oiliness of A. schmidtii cream-treated groups significantly increased compared to bare skin (p < 0.05). In addition, the distance between skin creases of A. schmidtii cream-treated group was significantly decreased after application compared to bare skin (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the effects of A. schmidtii cream-treated group on these skin test parameters were practically similar to coconut and cold cream. Additionally, A. schmidtii oil demonstrated antioxidant activity as assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The oil showed a notable antioxidant capacity, with an IC₅₀ value of 7.26 compared to 1.56 µg/mL for the standard antioxidant, Trolox. Moreover, after treating human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells with A. schmidtii oil for 24 h, there was an increase in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid by upregulating the HAS2 gene, along with an increase in the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins (TJP1 gene) and filaggrin (FLG gene). These results provide evidence that A. schmidtii could be used as a moisturizing agent to prevent dry skin in working adults and could upregulate the gene-related skin moisture expression.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) significantly increased skin moisture after topical application.
- Topical use of Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) enhanced skin oiliness, potentially supporting barrier function.
- The distance between skin creases was significantly decreased after applied schmidtii cream.
- Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) upregulated the expression of HAS2, FLG, and TJP1 genes in HaCaT keratinocytes.
- Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) demonstrated free radical scavenging activity, suggesting antioxidant potential.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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