Porcine Placental Extract Increases NAD+ and Energy in Human Skin Cells: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important molecule that helps our cells produce energy. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decrease in many tissues, which can contribute to aging and age-related health problems. Keeping NAD+ levels high is therefore of growing interest for healthy aging. Placental extract (PE) is known for its anti-aging benefits, but its effect on NAD+ was unclear. In this study, we found that porcine placental extract (PPE) significantly increased NAD+ levels in human skin cells. PPE also helped prevent NAD+ loss caused by a chemical that blocks NAD+ production. We discovered that the components nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide (NAM) in PPE are responsible for restoring NAD+ levels. Applying PPE to the outer layer of lab-grown human skin also improved NAD+ levels, suggesting that PPE could be used topically to boost skin NAD+. This is the first study showing that placental extract can increase NAD+ in human skin cells.

Journal

Scientific Reports