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Peach Extract

Also known as: Peach extract, Peach kernel extract, Peach fruit extract, Prunus persica

Overview

Peach extract is derived from the fruit or kernel (seed) of the peach tree (*Prunus persica* L. Batsch). It is categorized as a botanical supplement, fruit extract, and is also used in traditional medicine, particularly Chinese medicine. The extract contains various bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, polyphenols, and proteins, which are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits. These benefits are thought to include support for skin health, promotion of hair growth, and antioxidant activity. While research on peach extract is ongoing and includes in vitro, animal, and some human studies, the overall evidence base is still considered limited and heterogeneous. Emerging research suggests potential benefits, especially for skin, but specific high-quality clinical trials focusing solely on peach extract are currently sparse.

Benefits

Peach extract shows emerging potential for several health benefits, though much of the evidence is preclinical or from studies involving mixed fruit extracts. For **hair growth**, a 2024 in vitro study demonstrated that methanol extract of peach kernel increased the viability and proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells. This effect was linked to the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt) pathways, which are crucial for regulating hair growth. However, this is preclinical evidence, and direct clinical trial data in humans is currently lacking. Regarding **skin aging**, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on various fruit and fruit extracts (including peach) found that oral intake significantly improved skin hydration and reduced transcutaneous water loss. These are important markers for skin barrier function and aging. While promising, this meta-analysis did not find a significant effect on minimum erythema dose (a measure of UV protection), and the studies included a variety of fruits, not exclusively peach, limiting the direct applicability to peach extract alone. Peach extract also exhibits **antioxidant and cytoprotective effects**. An ex vivo study showed that peach pulp and peel extracts protected rat kidney, liver, and brain tissue slices from oxidative damage induced by hydroxyl radicals, indicating strong antioxidant properties. Furthermore, supplementation with carotenoid-rich extracts from peach palm waste in an animal model of obesity demonstrated modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting potential systemic anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits.

How it works

The mechanisms of action for peach extract are primarily attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and polyphenols. In the context of hair growth, peach kernel extract is believed to promote cell proliferation by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways within hair follicle cells. These pathways are critical for regulating cell cycle progression and cell survival. Its antioxidant effects stem from the ability of its compounds to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress in various tissues. This protective action helps mitigate cellular damage. For skin health, the fruit extract may improve hydration and barrier function, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help maintain skin integrity and reduce water loss. Molecular targets include cell cycle proteins, kinases involved in growth signaling, and inflammatory mediators, all contributing to its diverse biological activities.

Side effects

Currently, there are no significant adverse effects widely reported in the reviewed studies specifically for peach extract supplementation. Clinical trials on peach extract are limited, and thus, common side effects are not well-documented. However, as with any fruit-derived product, allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to peaches. The peach fruit contains known allergens, such as Pru p 3, which can trigger allergic responses in susceptible individuals. While a 2023 review on Pru p 3 focused on immunotherapy safety, it highlights the potential for allergic reactions to peach components. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications that have been definitively established from high-quality clinical data for peach extract supplements. Individuals with known peach allergies should exercise caution or avoid peach extract. Due to the limited clinical research, comprehensive safety warnings regarding specific populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with pre-existing medical conditions) or long-term use are not yet available. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have allergies or are on medication.

Dosage

Currently, there is no standardized or clinically established dosing guideline for peach extract supplements due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies, such as the in vitro hair growth research, utilized methanol extracts at a cellular level, which does not directly translate to human oral dosing. Human studies included in systematic reviews on fruit extracts, which may have contained peach, typically involved intake over durations ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. However, these studies did not specify the exact dosage of peach extract itself, often using mixed fruit preparations. Therefore, optimal dosing, specific formulations (e.g., fruit extract vs. kernel extract), and absorption factors for various purposes (e.g., skin health vs. hair growth) require substantial further clinical investigation. Without established clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for peach extract supplementation are also undefined. Consumers should exercise caution and follow manufacturer guidelines if available, or consult a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is peach extract effective for hair growth?

Preclinical evidence suggests peach kernel extract may promote hair follicle cell proliferation via specific cellular pathways. However, there are currently no human clinical trials to confirm its efficacy for hair growth in people.

Does peach extract improve skin aging?

Systematic reviews of fruit extracts, including peach, indicate potential for improving skin hydration and barrier function. However, its effects on UV protection or wrinkle reduction are less clear, and studies often involve mixed fruit extracts.

Is peach extract safe?

Peach extract generally appears safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in limited studies. However, individuals with peach allergies should be cautious, as allergic reactions are possible due to peach allergens.

How long does it take to see effects from peach extract?

Clinical studies on fruit extracts for skin health typically ranged from 8 to 12 weeks to observe effects. For hair growth, clinical data is absent, so the timeframe for potential effects is unknown.

Research Sources

https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/methanol-extract-of-peach-kernel-induces-human-hair-follicle-dermal-papilla-cell-proliferation-emviaem-the-extracellular-signalreg-5614.html – This 2024 in vitro study investigated the effects of methanol extract of peach kernel on human hair follicle dermal papilla cells. It found that the extract increased cell viability and proliferation by activating ERK and Akt pathways, suggesting a potential mechanism for hair growth promotion, though it is preclinical evidence.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1232229/full – This 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined the effects of oral intake of fruit or fruit extracts on skin aging. It concluded that such intake, including peach, significantly improved skin hydration and reduced transcutaneous water loss, indicating benefits for skin barrier function, but found no significant effect on UV protection.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4186376/ – This 2014 ex vivo study explored the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of different peach products on rat tissue slices. It demonstrated that peach pulp and peel extracts effectively reduced markers of oxidative damage induced by hydroxyl radicals in kidney, liver, and brain tissues, highlighting their antioxidant properties.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9040030/ – This study investigated the effects of carotenoid-rich extracts from peach palm waste in an animal model of obesity. It found that supplementation modulated inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting potential systemic benefits beyond direct antioxidant activity, including metabolic improvements.
https://clinicalmolecularallergy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12948-023-00184-5 – This 2023 review focused on the safety of immunotherapy for Pru p 3, a major peach allergen. While not directly about peach extract supplementation, it highlights the potential for allergic reactions to peach components and the importance of considering allergenicity in peach-derived products.