The Effects of Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract on the Gut Microbiome and Skin Biophysical Properties

Inclusion criteria

• Females aged 25 to 55 years of age
• Subject must be able to read and comprehend study procedures and consent forms.
• BMI 25-35

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects must have no history of malignancy, kidney disease, or chronic steroid use.
• No history of smoking or chewing tobacco or vaping nicotine based products within the past year or if the pack-year history of smoking tobacco is greater than 5 pack-years.
• No history of anorexia
• Those that are currently taking serotonin or SSRIs.
• No intake of pomegranate containing drinks, walnuts, and strawberries two weeks prior to enrollment and throughout the study
• Those who are unable to discontinue topical medications for two weeks.
• Individuals who have had any medical or cosmetic procedure, such as laser resurfacing, or plastic surgery to the test site (face) within the last 6 months. This includes botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, collagen or other similar cosmetic procedure
• Individuals who are currently using or during the past 30 days have used hydroquinone, or a retinoid such as Retin A, or other Rx/OTC Retinoid, or steroids.
• Those who are unable to discontinue systemic antibiotics or oral probiotics for one month prior starting the study.
• Those who are unable to discontinue their Triphala or Terminalia chebula regimen for one month prior to starting study.
• Subjects who are postmenopausal or perimenopausal as determined by the investigator based on history or documented menopause
• Males will be excluded to reduce the contribution from gender-based differences in testosterone which can affect sebum production on the face.
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Those that are prisoners or cognitively impaired
• Those who have a known allergy to Triphala or Terminalia chebula