Alteration of intestinal flora by the intake of enzymatic degradation products of adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) with improvement of skin condition

Adlay has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and nutrient for its beneficial effects on bowel movements and skin care. This study examined the effect of enzymatic degradation product of adlay, “Super Hatomugi” (SPH) on human skin and the intestinal flora in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. The subjects were divided into three groups: 500 mg SPH, 1000 mg SPH, and placebo, taken daily for 4 weeks. Hematological and skin condition examinations as well as an analysis of intestinal flora were performed 2 weeks before and 10 weeks after the start of the SPH intake. Skin condition was improved by SPH intake as revealed by a reduction in the number of nucleated epidermal cells. In addition, an increase in the fecal population of Bacteroidetes followed the SPH intake. These results show the possibility that SPH improves the skin condition and changes the proportions of intestinal flora.