Changes in dermoscopic photoaging and serum MMP-1 following 12 weeks of 5% lady finger banana peel extract nanoparticle serum: a single-arm proof-of-concept study

Abstract

Background Lady finger banana peel ( Musa acuminata Colla) contains several phytochemical compounds with antioxidant activity that may be relevant to skin aging. However, clinical evidence regarding its use as a nanoparticle-based topical formulation remains limited. Objective To evaluate within-participant changes in facial photoaging manifestations and serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels following 12 weeks of topical application of a 5% lady finger banana peel extract nanoparticle serum. Methods This prospective, single-center, single-arm, uncontrolled pretest–posttest proof-of-concept study enrolled women aged 25–50 years with clinical signs of facial skin aging. Participants applied 10 drops, approximately 0.5 mL, of the study serum once nightly for 12 weeks. Serum MMP-1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and week 12. Dermoscopy Photoaging Scale (DPAS) scores were evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. Changes in serum MMP-1 levels and DPAS scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test, respectively. Adherence and adverse events were evaluated throughout the study. Results Fifty participants were enrolled, of whom one discontinued the study because of non-adherence. A total of 49 participants completed the study and were included in the analysis. Mean serum MMP-1 levels decreased from 0.48 ± 0.39 ng/mL at baseline to 0.26 ± 0.25 ng/mL at week 12 ( p < 0.001). Mean DPAS scores decreased from 12.69 ± 0.92 at baseline to 9.51 ± 0.77 at week 12 ( p < 0.001). Changes in DPAS scores were modestly correlated with changes in serum MMP-1 levels ( r = 0.347; p = 0.015). No adverse events were observed or reported among participants who completed the study. Conclusion Lower DPAS scores and serum MMP-1 levels were observed following 12 weeks of topical serum use. Because this was an uncontrolled single-arm study, the findings should be regarded as preliminary and do not establish treatment efficacy, causality, systemic absorption, or modulation of cutaneous MMP-1. Randomized vehicle-controlled studies incorporating local skin biomarkers are required.

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