Korea Forest Service "Acorn Extract Suppresses Pet Skin Diseases... Expected for Commercialization"

A study has found that acorn extract is effective in suppressing skin diseases in companion animals. The research results have led to a patent application, opening up the possibility of commercializing acorn extract as a forest bioresource product in the future.

The Forest Bio-Materials Research Institute of the National Institute of Forest Science announced on the 12th that acorn extract from evergreen oak trees was confirmed to suppress skin diseases caused by mites in companion animals and improve the skin barrier.

The acorn fruits of evergreen oaks, such as Jonggasi oak (Quercus acutissima) and Red oak (Quercus rubra), have been used not only as food but also in folk remedies for inflammation, diarrhea, and dysentery.

Provided by National Institute of Forest Science

Additionally, the Forest Bio-Materials Research Institute presented research results showing that the acorn shells of evergreen oaks are effective in skin regeneration, increasing the potential range of acorn utilization.

In the study, extracts from Jonggasi oak and Red oak acorns were found to significantly reduce the release of interleukins (IL-6, IL-8), which are inflammatory factors caused by mites.

Furthermore, when evaluating the SCORAD index, which assesses the extent and severity of dermatitis, the mite-exposed group scored 14 points, whereas the group treated with 10 mg/ml acorn extract scored around 6 points, indicating improvement in mite-induced dermatitis.

It was also confirmed that collagen levels for skin barrier improvement were restored to normal levels at 50 mg/ml of acorn extract.

Based on these research results, the Forest Bio-Materials Research Institute has completed a patent application and plans to produce companion animal mists and shampoos containing acorn extract, followed by safety evaluations of the raw materials.

Choi Sik-won, a researcher at the Forest Bio-Materials Research Institute of the National Institute of Forest Science, said, “The efficacy of evergreen oak acorn extract in suppressing dermatitis has been confirmed, opening the possibility of its use as a natural ingredient in companion animal skin care products. The Institute will continue to conduct research to enhance the utilization of forest bioresources.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.