Broccoli Seed Extract and Skin Health

The primary objective of this study is to examine the influence of 4-weeks ingestion of TrueBroc® with mustard seed powder on improving skin health by evaluating skin physiological and biochemical parameters. TrueBroc® Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli Seed Extract (TrueBroc®) is a hot water extract of Brassica oleracea var. Italica Plenck (Brassicaceae) seeds. TrueBroc® contains high levels of glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate prominently found in the cruciferous vegetables. This study will use supplements containing 770 mg Broccoli Seed Extract (BSE) with 290 mg mustard seed powder (MSP) and 200 mg vitamin C. Limited data indicate that this mixture enhances glucoraphanin bioavailability. The consumption of the phytochemical glucoraphanin confers a number of benefits including skin health.

Hypothesis: That 4-weeks ingestion of TrueBroc® with MSP compared to placebo will improve skin health.

Study Procedures This study will incorporate a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design with 4-week supplementation and a 2-week washout period. Skin measurements and tape stripping samples will be collected pre- and post-4-week supplementation periods. Skin tape stripping samples will be analyzed for oxinflammatory-related outcomes. Blood and 24-hour urine samples will also be collected pre- and post-4-week supplementation periods. These samples will be aliquoted and stored in a freezer for potential analysis of targeted outcomes pending additional funding.

Visit #1: Screening and Consent. Subjects will come to the Human Performance Lab at assigned times. The COVID-19 screening participant form will be filled in by the participant to verify the absence of symptoms or exposure.This visit will begin with a review of the consent form, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Height, body weight, body composition (seca BIA), and blood pressure will be measured. Subjects will be given 24-hour collection kits with instructions to collect all urine in the provided jug during the day before visit #2.

Visit #2: Return urine bottles. Provide blood sample. Skin health measurements. Start 4-weeks supplementation.

Subjects will come to the Human Performance Lab at assigned times in an overnight fasted state (no intake of food or beverages except for water during at least the previous 9 hours). Subjects will drop off the urine bottles and provide an overnight fasted blood sample. Skin health measurements will involve having probes and tapes applied to the surface of the skin to assess various parameters of skin health. Photos of skin areas will be taken. These skin health measurements will take about 15 to 30 minutes. A 4-week supply of capsules will be provided in supplement trays or bottles, and an additional 24-hour urine collection kit will be given to each subject. Subjects will be contacted weekly by the Research Manager to ensure adherence to the supplementation regimen (2 capsules per day, 4 weeks). Visit #3: Repeat visit #2 test procedures. Subjects will come to the Human Performance Lab at assigned times in an overnight fasted state after 4 weeks of supplementation. Subjects will drop off the urine bottles and provide a blood sample. Body composition and blood pressure measurements will be repeated. Skin health measurements will be repeated. An additional 24-hour urine collection kit will be given to each subject. Subjects will be instructed to return to the lab after the 2-week washout period.

Visits #4 and #5: Repeated procedures from visits #2 and #3. Subjects will crossover to the opposite trial supplement and repeat all study procedures.

Inclusion criteria

• Both male and female subjects will be included, ages 25 to 57 years.
• Non-smoker and free of any medical conditions that might affect study measurements.
• Body mass index (BMI) of 20 - 29.9 kg/m2 (not obese).
• Willingness to adhere to dietary restrictions: refrain from consuming cruciferous vegetables (or related condiments and supplements) such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress, radishes, prepared mustard condiment, mustard greens, horseradish, wasabi, and mayonnaise for 3 days before and for the duration of the study.
• Willing to collect all urine for 24 hours and provide four blood samples on four separate occasions.

Exclusion criteria

• Diarrhea or oral antibiotic intake within the last 4 weeks.
• Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids or other medications that influence stomach acidity.
• History of malabsorption or GI tract disorders or GI surgeries (i.e. lapband, gastric bypass, etc.).
• History of allergic reactions or intolerance to any of the ingredients contained in the test supplements (e.g. broccoli, broccoli seeds, mustard seeds, vitamin C).
• Currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Any other condition which in the Investigator's opinion may adversely affect the subject's ability to complete the study or its measures or which may pose significant risk to the subject.