Evidence on Human Placental Hydrolysate (HPH) Use in Adult Males
Based on the available evidence, human placental hydrolysate (HPH) shows promising effects on liver regeneration and anti-stress properties in adult males, though high-quality human clinical studies specifically in adult males are limited.
Liver Regeneration Effects
- HPH has demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects in experimental models, promoting liver regeneration through multiple mechanisms:
- Increases liver regeneration rate after partial hepatectomy in both normal and cirrhotic rat models 1
- Activates cytokines and growth factors associated with liver regeneration, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HGF 2
- Enhances cell proliferation markers such as PCNA and Ki-67 in hepatocytes 2
- Intravenous administration shows more potent effects on liver regeneration than subcutaneous injection 1
Anti-oxidant Properties
- HPH exhibits substantial antioxidant activity that may benefit liver health and overall cellular function:
- Activates expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase 3
- Reduces thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) while increasing glutathione (GSH) levels 2
- Upregulates the Kelch-like ECH2-associated protein 1-p62-nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, a key oxidative stress defense mechanism 3
Anti-apoptotic Effects
- HPH demonstrates protective effects against hepatocyte apoptosis:
- Reduces levels of liver damage markers including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 3
- Decreases inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in the context of liver damage 3
- Reduces cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species 3
- Prevents mitochondrial dysfunction through reduction of damage-regulated autophagy modulator, p53, and C/EBP homologous protein 3
Anti-stress Effects
- HPH shows potential benefits for stress-related conditions:
- Significantly decreases immobility time in forced swimming tests, indicating anti-depressant effects 4
- Shows trends toward reducing anxiety behaviors in elevated plus maze tests 4
- Increases GPx protein levels in the hippocampus 4
- Decreases expression of NADPH-diaphorase in the paraventricular nucleus, suggesting regulation of nitric oxide synthase 4
Safety Considerations
- Safety data specific to adult males is limited:
- Human-derived placental materials require careful screening for infectious agents 5
- European Union cosmetics directive prohibits human-derived ingredients due to concerns about transmission of human spongiform encephalopathies and viral diseases 5
- Any clinical use should ensure the material is free of detectable pathogenic viruses or infectious agents 5
Clinical Implications
- While animal studies show promise, clinical applications should be approached with caution:
- Route of administration appears important, with intravenous delivery showing greater efficacy than subcutaneous in experimental models 1
- Potential applications include liver regeneration support, stress management, and oxidative stress protection 3, 4, 2
- More rigorous human clinical trials specifically in adult males are needed to establish definitive efficacy and safety profiles 5
Limitations of Current Evidence
- Most studies are preclinical animal models rather than human clinical trials 3, 1, 4, 2
- Specific dosing guidelines for adult males have not been well established 3, 1, 4
- Long-term safety data in humans is lacking 5
- Standardization of HPH preparations across studies is inconsistent 5
Human placental hydrolysate shows promising biological activities that could benefit adult males, particularly in liver health and stress management, but more high-quality human studies are needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.