Hydrangea Extract
Also known as: Hydrangea extract, Hydrangea serrata leaf extract, WHS, Hydrangea serrata
Overview
Hydrangea serrata extract is a botanical supplement derived primarily from the leaves of the Hydrangea serrata plant, a species native to East Asia. It contains bioactive compounds such as hydrangenol, which are being studied for their potential effects on skin health, body weight management, and hair growth. This extract is primarily used as a dietary supplement to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles, and also shows promise as an anti-obesity agent. While several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Hydrangea serrata extract are currently limited. Its applications span nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, with emerging research supporting its benefits.
Benefits
Hydrangea serrata extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in skin health and body weight management. For **Skin Health**, a high-quality, well-powered randomized controlled trial (n=151) demonstrated that daily oral supplementation with 300 mg or 600 mg of Hydrangea serrata leaf extract (WHS) for 12 weeks significantly improved multiple skin parameters. These improvements included wrinkle reduction, increased hydration and elasticity, and better skin texture and roughness compared to a placebo group. The benefits were statistically significant after 8 weeks and sustained throughout the 12-week study period, with no reported adverse effects. This suggests strong evidence for its anti-aging skin properties. Regarding **Body Weight and Fat Reduction**, another randomized controlled trial involving overweight or obese adults showed that 600 mg daily WHS supplementation for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in body weight, body fat mass, BMI, hip circumference, visceral fat area, and abdominal fat area when compared to a placebo. This indicates moderate to strong evidence for its role as a potential anti-obesity agent in specific populations, with no significant side effects observed. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies also suggest that Hydrangea serrata extract and its active component, hydrangenol, may **promote hair growth**. However, this benefit currently lacks clinical trial data in humans, so the evidence is considered preliminary and requires further validation.
How it works
The beneficial effects of Hydrangea serrata extract are attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly hydrangenol, which interact with various biological pathways. For skin health, the extract appears to mediate its effects by upregulating the AP-1 and Akt/PI3K signaling pathways. These pathways are crucial for skin cell proliferation, maintaining hydration, and remodeling the extracellular matrix, contributing to improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles. The anti-obesity effects are thought to involve the modulation of lipid metabolism and fat accumulation, although the precise molecular targets and mechanisms require further elucidation. The hair growth-promoting effects are linked to the influence of hydrangenol on cellular proliferation pathways, but the detailed mechanisms are still under investigation.
Side effects
Based on current clinical research, Hydrangea serrata extract appears to be well-tolerated. Across multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with durations up to 12 weeks, no significant adverse reactions or side effects have been reported by participants. This suggests a favorable short-term safety profile for the dosages studied (up to 600 mg daily). There is currently no documented evidence of drug interactions or contraindications in the available clinical studies. However, it is important to note that the safety of Hydrangea serrata extract has not been established in special populations, including pregnant or lactating women, or children. Therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, although specific interactions have not yet been identified. Long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks are also not available, so caution is advised for extended use.
Dosage
The effective dosage for Hydrangea serrata leaf extract (WHS) has been established through clinical studies. For both skin health benefits and body weight/fat reduction, a daily oral dose of **300 mg to 600 mg** of standardized extract has demonstrated efficacy. Clinical benefits, such as improvements in skin parameters and reductions in body weight, were observed after **8 to 12 weeks** of continuous supplementation. It is recommended to adhere to this duration to experience the full effects. The extract is typically taken orally. Currently, there is no data available on the maximum safe dose beyond 600 mg daily, nor is there information on the safety or efficacy of long-term use extending beyond 12 weeks. Therefore, users should not exceed the recommended dosage and should consider breaks if planning extended use, pending further research.
FAQs
Is Hydrangea extract safe for daily use?
Yes, clinical trials up to 12 weeks have reported no significant side effects, indicating it is safe for daily use within this timeframe.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Skin improvements were noted after 8 weeks of consistent use, while significant weight and fat reduction were observed after 12 weeks.
Does it work for all skin types or weight categories?
Studies were conducted in healthy adults for skin benefits and in overweight/obese individuals for weight management. Broader population effects require more research.
Is topical application effective?
Current clinical evidence primarily supports oral supplementation for its benefits. The effectiveness of topical application requires further dedicated study.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32481760/ – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (n=151) found that oral Hydrangea serrata leaf extract (300/600 mg daily for 12 weeks) significantly improved skin wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, texture, and roughness compared to placebo, with no adverse effects. The study provides strong evidence for its anti-aging skin benefits.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35011083/ – This RCT (n≥30 per group) demonstrated that 600 mg daily of Hydrangea serrata leaf extract for 12 weeks significantly reduced body weight, body fat mass, BMI, and visceral fat in overweight/obese adults compared to placebo, with no observed side effects. It supports the extract's potential as an anti-obesity agent.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/1/208 – This source, likely a full text of the Han et al., 2022 study, details the findings of the RCT on body weight and fat reduction. It confirms that 600 mg daily WHS supplementation for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in various body composition parameters in overweight/obese adults, reinforcing its anti-obesity effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37299400/ – This mechanistic study (in vitro/in vivo) identified that hydrangenol, a component of Hydrangea serrata, upregulates AP-1 and Akt/PI3K signaling pathways. These findings provide biological plausibility for the skin benefits observed in human trials, explaining how the extract may improve skin cell proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39408700/ – This preclinical in vitro and animal study investigated hydrangenol's effects on hair growth. It found that hydrangenol promoted hair growth via cellular proliferation pathways, offering preliminary evidence for this potential benefit, though human clinical data are still needed.