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Effect of Continuous Intake of Ergothioneine-containing Supplements on Skin Condition

Effect of Continuous Intake of Ergothioneine-containing Supplements on Skin Condition: a Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Study

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06886061
Acronym
EGTCLINIC
Enrollment
70
Registered
2025-03-20
Start date
2024-10-09
Completion date
2025-03-03
Last updated
2025-03-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Skin

Keywords

Ergothioneine, Skin, Supplements

Brief summary

This trial employed a non-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to evaluate the effects of DR. ERGO® Capsules (each containing 30mg of ergothioneine) on the skin condition of women aged 35 to 59 after continuous daily intake for 8 weeks. The trial assessed skin condition across multiple dimensions, including brightness, color tone, melanin, erythema, gloss, elasticity, and spots, using various instruments and questionnaire surveys. Additionally, safety was monitored through daily log records and safety evaluations.

Detailed description

Ergothioneine (EGT), a naturally occurring amino acid-like antioxidant, was first discovered in Clavieps purpurea in 1909. It is widely found in mushrooms, legumes, and certain animal tissues. Studies have shown that ergothioneine protects skin cells by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, thereby delaying skin aging. Additionally, it can inhibit melanin production, improve uneven skin tone, enhance the skin barrier function, and boost skin elasticity and radiance. In recent years, with growing attention to nutricosmetics, ergothioneine has gained significant interest for its potential anti-aging and skin-enhancing benefits. The trial employed a non-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, adhering to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration and relevant Japanese ethical guidelines, and received approval from an ethics review committee. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of daily consumption of one DR. ERGO® capsule (each containing 30mg of ergothioneine) on the skin condition of women aged 35 to 59 over an 8-week period. The trial design included strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure consistency in the health status and testing conditions of the participants. During the trial, participants were required to maintain their normal lifestyle habits and avoid using any medications or cosmetics that might affect their skin condition. The study assessed skin condition across multiple dimensions-including brightness, color tone, melanin levels, erythema, gloss, elasticity, spots, and wrinkles-using various instruments and questionnaires. Additionally, safety was monitored through diary logs and safety assessments.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTThe capsules contain Ergothioneine.

Take one 30 mg Ergothioneine capsule orally every day for a period of eight weeks.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTThe capsules do not contain Ergothioneine.

Take one capsule devoid of Ergothioneine orally every day for a period of eight weeks.

Sponsors

Shanghai EGT Synbio Group Co., Ltd.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
35 Years to 59 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

① Healthy women aged 35 to 59 years old. ② Individuals who feel that their skin condition is deteriorating (loss of radiance, dullness, pigmentation spots, etc.).

Exclusion criteria

* Individuals with a history of food allergies. * Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. * Individuals with inflammation or wounds on their face. * Individuals taking medication that could affect the trial. ⑤ Individuals consuming health supplements that could affect the trial. ⑥ Individuals currently undergoing medical treatment or receiving prescriptions from a doctor. ⑦ Individuals undergoing hormone therapy. ⑧ Individuals with eyelash extensions, permanent eyeliner, or other forms of cosmetic tattooing around the eyes. ⑨ Individuals who have participated in human clinical trials within the last month or plan to do so during the trial period. ⑩ Individuals deemed unsuitable by the principal investigator of the trial.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
ErythemaBefore the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Using the Mexameter® MX 18 (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH), measure erythema at the same facial points as above to assess the content of erythema.
Brightness & ColorBefore the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Using the SPECTRO PHOTOMETER NF555 (Japan Electric Color Industry Co., Ltd.), measure the brightness and color at the intersection points of vertical lines below both outer canthi and horizontal lines from the alae nasi. The L\*a\*b\* method is used to measure L\* value (brightness), a\* value, and b\* value (color). Higher values indicate brighter or more intense colors.
MelaninBefore the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Using the Mexameter® MX 18 (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH), measure melanin at the same facial points as above to assess the content of melanin.
SpotsBefore the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Using VISIA® Evolution (Canfield Scientific Inc.), measure spots on both sides of the face at the defined locations. Assess the number of spots.
Gloss (Shine)Before the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Using the Glossymeter GL200MP (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH), measure the gloss at the specified facial points. This device measures true gloss unaffected by skin surface texture or color.
ElasticityBefore the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Using the Cutometer® MPA580 (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH), measure elasticity at the designated facial points. Skin elasticity is evaluated through R2 (total elasticity), R5 (net elasticity), and R7 (elasticity upon retraction) ratios.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Skin ConditionBefore the trial begins, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks.Conduct three surveys before the trial begins, and at 4 and 8 weeks into the trial, covering 11 items: moisture, dryness, softness, gloss, smoothness, skin allergy condition, texture, makeup adherence, tightness, wrinkles, transparency, tightness after washing, brightness, and overall skin satisfaction. Participants rate these aspects on a 9-point scale ranging from very poor to very good.

Countries

Japan

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026