nouvelles-1 — nutrients

Research Summary: Aloe vera, a cactus-like plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, has been used for traditional medical purposes for thousands of years. The name *Aloe vera* is derived from the Arabic word "Alloeh," meaning "shining bitter substance," due to the bitter liquid found in its leaves, and "Vera," which means "true" in Latin. There are over 300 species of aloe, most of which are native to South Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia. Aloe leaves can be separated into two basic products: the latex, a bitter yellow liquid beneath the epidermis of the leaf, and the gel, a colorless and...

Research Summary: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular in the United States during the last 10–15 years. The use of oral and topical supplements falls within this framework. Most oral and topical supplements are based on or include several botanical ingredients, many of which have long histories of traditional or folk medicine usage. Several of the available products derived from botanical sources are touted for their dermatologic benefits.The focus in this discussion will be on a select group of botanical compounds that have been used for dermatologic purposes or show promise for such applications. These include rosemary,...

Research Summary: Although many cosmeceutical formulations contain vitamin C and/or vitamin E, very few are actually effective in topical application. This is due to several factors. First, the concentration of these vitamins is often too low. Second, their stability is compromised once the product is opened and exposed to air and light. Third, the form of the molecule (either an ester or a mixture of isomers) may not be effectively absorbed or metabolized by the skin.However, when a stable formulation delivers a high concentration of the nonesterified, optimal isomer of the antioxidant, vitamins C and E can indeed inhibit the...

Research Summary:Background: Nutritional factors play a key role in normal dermatologic functioning. However, little is known about the effects of diet on skin-aging appearance.Objective: We evaluated the associations between nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance.Design: Using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined associations between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4025 women aged 40 to 74 years. Nutrients were estimated from a 24-hour recall. Clinical examinations of the skin were conducted by dermatologists. Skin-aging appearance was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, senile dryness, and skin atrophy.Results: Higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a...