Current Synthetic and Systems Biology
Open Access
ISSN: 2332-0737
ISSN: 2332-0737
Tzu-Fang Hsu, Hsiu-Yu Sung, Ming-Chen Yeh, Yung-Kai Lin, Yung-Hsiang Lin, Shunji Hattori, Shu-Ting Chan, Yi-Wen Mao, Chi-Fu Chiang*
Tripeptides are recognized for their high bioavailability and their potential to improve skin structure, hydration and barrier function. This study evaluated the efficacy of MAXI collagen, a tripeptide-based formulation, through combined in vitro and clinical assessments. In cell models, MAXI collagen enhanced collagen production in CCD 966SK fibroblasts, suppressed melanogenesis-related gene expression (TYR, TYRP1, MITF) in A375 melanoma cells and increased SMPD1 along with key anti-aging and antioxidant markers (SIRT1, NADSYN, SOD3, Parkin) in HPEK keratinocytes, indicating broad skin-enhancing activity across multiple pathways. To validate these effects in vivo, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 75 adult participants aged 35-65 years. Participants were assigned to MAXI collagen, normal collagen, or placebo (n=25 per group) and consumed one 50 mL bottle daily for 28 days. Skin collagen density, hydration and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) were evaluated at baseline, day 7 and day 28. MAXI collagen increased collagen density by 7.6% at day 7 and 14.0% at day 28 relative to baseline. Skin hydration improved by 12.9% at Day 28, exceeding normal collagen and placebo, while TEWL decreased by 18.0%, indicating improved barrier integrity and moisture retention. Overall, the integrated cellular and clinical findings demonstrate that MAXI collagen provides comprehensive skin benefits by promoting collagen synthesis, improving hydration and strengthening the epidermal barrier. These results support the value of tripeptide supplementation as an effective strategy for enhancing skin health.
Published Date: 2025-12-15; Received Date: 2025-11-13