Tasmannia lanceolata Extract May Be Beneficial for Stretch Marks

Using Tasmannia lanceolata extract (TLE) significantly reduces the dermal roughness of stretch marks in women, according to study data published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 29 women (mean age 47.0 ± 10.2 years; range, 25 to 60 years) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.9 ± 7.0 kg/m². The patients presented with noninflammatory and nonpigmented stretch marks of more than 6 months’ duration, with hollow lesions less than 1 cm wide.

The investigators applied TLE and placebo topically every day for 8 weeks; 15 participants received TLE and 14 received placebo. The researchers used 2D and 3D photograph processing and analyses to assess the roughness of the skin and the firmness of the stretch marks. Participants’ dermal density and thickness were analyzed with ultrasound, and the conditions of the stretch marks were determined with clinical scoring.

After 8 weeks of treatment, the stretch marks’ dermal roughness was significantly reduced in the TLE group. The stretch marks’ dermal firmness was significantly increased in the TLE group after 4 weeks of treatment, and this improvement was maintained until the study’s completion. Dermal density and thickness were significantly increased in the TLE group compared with the placebo group.

The investigators also found that TLE restored the dermal condition of the stretch marks to normal levels, and pro-collagen I and elastin concentrations were higher in the TLE-treated stretch mark skin explants compared with the untreated ones, in association with higher levels of transforming growth factor-b production.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study reported in the literature which reveals the beneficial effects of Tasmannia lanceolata on stabilized stretch marks,” stated the researchers. They noted that their study findings “… demonstrated a significant improvement of dermal density and thickness leading to visible ameliorations of stretch marks. In addition, the ex vivo experiments on human skin explants illustrated the mechanistic actions of TLE by potentiating the activity of matrix synthesis by dermal fibroblasts.”

Future studies may target the anti-inflammatory and skin-restructuring properties of TLE, as well as the extract’s potential to treat other skin conditions, such as acne or surgical scars, according to the study authors.

Disclosure: Several study authors declared affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors’ disclosures.

Reference

Gaillard E, Boisnic S, Branchet M-C, et al. Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract alleviates stretch mark appearance in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women and stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis in ex vivo human skin explants. Published online October 13, 2020. J Cosmet Dermatol. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13780