Hawthorn trial found a hydration-score difference, with other overall results similar
Among adults completing a small trial, hawthorn supplementation improved facial hydration scores compared with cornstarch placebo. Other overall skin measurements and white-blood-cell telomere length showed similar changes between groups.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The overall result favored hawthorn for facial hydration scores, but not for the other measured skin features or white-blood-cell telomere length. Analyses within particular genetic groups suggested additional differences, including wrinkle scores. These narrower findings do not establish a general anti-aging effect, and the abstract does not explain how noticeable the hydration-score change would be.
The completed sample was small. The abstract does not explain the hydration scale or provide genetic-subgroup sample sizes, limiting interpretation of practical importance and the subgroup findings.
What researchers found
Change in measured hydration score
Over 6 months, mean change was 1.71 (SD 8.18) with hawthorn versus -3.00 (SD 8.42) with placebo; p < 0.05. SD describes variation among participants.
A score is a measured outcome
Researchers measured hydration alongside pigmentation, pores, wrinkles and elasticity before and after supplementation. The overall difference concerned hydration scores. The abstract does not translate that score difference into a visible or personally noticeable change.
Genetic findings need separate interpretation
Some genetic subgroups showed hydration or wrinkle-score differences. Across all participants, hydration also correlated with white-blood-cell telomere length. That association does not show that hawthorn changed telomere length or slowed aging.
The original publication
Effects of Hawthorn Fruit Supplementation on Facial Skin Phenotypes and Leukocyte Telomere Length Stratified by TERT Polymorphisms.
Kim M, Baik I
Nutrients · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40573097
- Record checked
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