Home Ingredients Apfenol® (Apple Polyphenol Extract — ECA Healthcare)
Hair, Skin & Nails

Apfenol® (Apple Polyphenol Extract — ECA Healthcare)

Malus domestica
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Apfenol® is an apple (Malus domestica) polyphenol extract from ECA Healthcare, made from immature green apples for a high concentration of oligomeric procyanidins. In a randomized trial, generic apple polyphenols reduced UV-induced skin pigmentation in healthy women. Cardiovascular and metabolic uses are based on mechanism, not on trials of this extract.

Studied Dose 300 or 600 mg/day of apple polyphenols in the Shoji 2020 skin trial (generic apple polyphenol, not Apfenol-branded).
Active Compound Green apple extract concentrated for oligomeric procyanidins (apple polyphenols).

Benefits

Antioxidant defense

Apple polyphenols (oligomeric procyanidins) act as antioxidants in laboratory tests. A protective effect on human cells or blood vessels has not been measured for this extract.

Supported by Trial 1

Skin support

In a randomized trial, generic apple polyphenols reduced UV-induced skin pigmentation in healthy women. Effects on cardiometabolic markers have not been shown for this extract.

Supported by Trial 1

Anti-inflammatory support

Anti-inflammatory activity has been described in laboratory studies. It has not been measured in people taking this extract.

Mechanism of action

1

Procyanidin antioxidants

Apple procyanidins scavenge free radicals and support the body's antioxidant defenses.

2

Vascular and metabolic signaling

In laboratory studies, apple polyphenols affect markers of blood-vessel function and of glucose and lipid handling. These are mechanistic findings, not outcomes measured in people taking this extract.

Clinical trials

1
Generic Apple Polyphenols and Skin: RCT (Shoji 2020, not Apfenol)
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of apple polyphenol supplements in healthy women. (Shoji et al. 2020, Nutrients)

Healthy women.

In 65 healthy women, apple polyphenol tablets (300 or 600 mg/day) reduced UV-induced skin pigmentation over 12 weeks versus placebo, with no effect on skin water content or water loss. This was generic apple polyphenol funded by Asahi Breweries, not the Apfenol brand.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon at normal doses.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.
Discontinue if any unusual reaction occurs.

Important Drug interactions

No major drug interactions are established for this ingredient.
Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take prescription medication.
Use caution if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

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Frequently asked questions about Apfenol® (Apple Polyphenol Extract — ECA Healthcare)

What is Apfenol?

Apfenol® is an apple (Malus domestica) polyphenol extract from ECA Healthcare, made from immature green apples for a high concentration of oligomeric procyanidins. In a randomized trial, generic apple polyphenols reduced UV-induced skin pigmentation in healthy women.

What is Apfenol used for?

Apfenol is researched primarily for Hair, Skin & Nails. Apple polyphenols (oligomeric procyanidins) act as antioxidants in laboratory tests. A protective effect on human cells or blood vessels has not been measured for this extract.

What is the recommended dosage of Apfenol?

The clinically studied dose is 300 or 600 mg/day of apple polyphenols in the Shoji 2020 skin trial (generic apple polyphenol, not Apfenol-branded). Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Apfenol safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Apfenol is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon at normal doses. Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. Apfenol is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Apfenol interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: No major drug interactions are established for this ingredient. Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take prescription medication. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Apfenol?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Apfenol as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Shoji T, Masumoto S, Moriichi N, et al. Administration of Apple Polyphenol Supplements for Skin Conditions in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(4). doi: 10.3390/nu12041071..PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 65 healthy women: generic apple polyphenol tablets (300 or 600 mg/day) reduced UV-induced skin pigmentation over 12 weeks versus placebo, with no effect on skin water content or trans-epidermal water loss. The product tested was funded by Asahi Breweries, not the Apfenol brand.