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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.

Highlights: [•] Adlay has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine. [•] We examined the effect of the adlay product in clinical study. [•] Skin condition was improved by intake the adlay product. [•] The adlay product had significantly decreased numbers of nucleated epidermal cells. [•] An increase in the fecal population of Bacteroidetes followed the adlay product intake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]