Effect of cream formulation of fenugreek seed extract on some mechanical parameters of human skin

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effect of an emulsion formulation of fenugreek (Trigonella Foneum-Graecum L) seed extract on some mechanical parameters of the skin of healthy human volunteers Methods: A water-in-oil emulsion cream base without fenugreek seed extract which served as control, and a similar formulation containing 4 %w/v of the extract in the internal (aqueous) phase were prepared. Each of the formulations was applied to the cheeks of 10 human volunteers for a period of 4 weeks and some mechanical parameters (R0, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9) of the skin were measured weekly using Cutometer MPA 580. Results: The results indicate that the effects of the creams on skin mechanical properties were significant (p < 0.05) with respect to time, except for R4 and R9. The extract-containing cream substantially increased skin elasticity, hydration and the ability of skin to resist photo-aging when compared to the base. Conclusion: Both the cream base and the cream containing fenugreek extract demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) improvement in all mechanical parameters related to skin elasticity, ageing, hydration and fatigue but the effect of the extract cream was more pronounced in some cases. © Pharmacotherapy Group.