Plain language summary
An imbalance in the gut bacteria has been shown to be involved in the development of inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Seaweed extract known as sulphated xylorhamnoglucuronan (SXRG84) is a novel prebiotic, which may act to promote the growth of good gut microbiota and therefore be of benefit to people with skin conditions. This randomised control trial of 50 individuals with inflammatory skin conditions aimed to determine the effect of SXRG84 on symptoms. The results showed that overall, there were no differences between the treatments, however there is a subset of individuals who respond to SXRG84 and show significantly decreased inflammation in the blood and improved skin symptoms. 27% of 38 individuals with psoriasis and the two individuals with eczema indicated improvements, although individuals with rosacea, dermatitis, palmar plantar keratoderma, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis and palmar plantar psoriasis showed no improvements. It was concluded that amongst responders, SXRG84 for 6-weeks may improve inflammation and skin symptoms. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that a personal approach is required for the management of skin conditions and that individuals with psoriasis and eczema may positively respond to SXRG84 in their diet.
Abstract
We examined the effect of a dietary seaweed extract-sulfated xylorhamnoglucuronan (SXRG84)-on individuals with inflammatory skin conditions. A subgroup analysis of a larger trial was undertaken, where 44 participants with skin conditions were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design. Subjects ingested either SXRG84 extract (2 g/day) for six weeks and placebo for six weeks, or vice versa. At baseline, six- and twelve-weeks inflammatory markers and the gut microbiota were assessed, as well as skin assessments using the dermatology quality of life index (DQLI), psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and visual analogue scales (VAS). There were significant differences at weeks six and twelve for pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ (p = 0.041), IL-1β (p = 0.030), TNF-α (p = 0.008) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p = 0.026), determined by ANCOVA. These cytokines were all significantly higher at six weeks post placebo compared to twelve weeks post placebo followed by SXRG84 treatment. A total of 23% of participants reported skin improvements, as measured by VAS (mean difference 3.1, p = 0.0005) and the DQLI score (mean difference -2.0, p = 0.049), compared to the 'non-responders'. Thus, the ingestion of SXRG84 for 6 weeks reduced inflammatory cytokines, and a subset of participants saw improvements.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
:
4
Allocation concealment
:
No
