What is placenta extract good for?

September 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 4,000 mammalian species consume their placentas after birth, a behavior that has inspired centuries of use in traditional medicine. This article explores the purported benefits and scientific evidence behind the health and wellness claims associated with what is placenta extract good for, from ancient remedies to modern skincare products.

Quick Summary

Placenta extract is sought after for its rich concentration of growth factors, vitamins, and minerals, which proponents claim can improve skin hydration and elasticity, support tissue repair and wound healing, and help balance hormones. While many traditional uses lack robust clinical evidence, some modern applications, particularly in aesthetics and wound care, have shown promising—though preliminary—results.

Key Points

Skin Rejuvenation: Contains growth factors, vitamins, and amino acids that may improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Wound Healing: Bioactive compounds in the extract can accelerate tissue repair and regeneration, particularly beneficial for skin wounds and burns.
Traditional Uses: Historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and other cultures for boosting vitality, treating infertility, and supporting postpartum recovery.
Hormone Regulation: Oral consumption has anecdotal links to improved postpartum mood and energy, though clinical evidence is lacking. Injections are used clinically for menopausal symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The extract has shown immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties in animal studies, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Joint and Tissue Health: Emerging research suggests benefits for osteoarthritis and joint health due to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Safety Concerns: Oral consumption carries risks of infection and heavy metal exposure due to lack of regulation. Always consider the source and processing quality.
Forms of Use: Available as topical creams and serums, oral supplements, and clinical injections, with safety protocols varying significantly across methods.

A historical perspective on placenta extract

The use of placenta extract is not a recent phenomenon. Its roots can be traced back over 1,500 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it was known as "zi he che". Historically, it was used to treat conditions such as infertility, impotence, and liver and kidney problems, believed to boost energy and vitality. In modern medicine, initial applications in the early 20th century involved using placental membranes for wound repair and skin grafting. Since the 1950s, particularly in Japan, placenta extracts have been incorporated into aesthetic and anti-aging treatments. Today, both animal-derived (e.g., porcine or sheep) and human placenta extracts are used in various forms, including oral supplements, topical creams, and injections.

The science behind the claims

Proponents point to the placenta's rich biological composition as the source of its potential benefits. The organ is a powerhouse of bioactive compounds, including hormones, cytokines, growth factors, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. These components are believed to drive the therapeutic and aesthetic effects attributed to the extract. However, the scientific evidence supporting many of these claims, particularly for oral consumption (placentophagy), remains sparse and often conflicting.

Potential benefits for skin health and anti-aging

One of the most popular uses for placenta extract is in skincare and anti-aging. The extract contains epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), which are known to stimulate cellular regeneration and promote the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential for maintaining skin's elasticity, firmness, and overall youthful appearance.

Improved Hydration: The presence of hyaluronic acid in the extract can help the skin retain moisture, leading to a plumper, more hydrated complexion.
Reduced Fine Lines: By supporting collagen synthesis, placenta extract may help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhanced Brightness: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, contributing to a more radiant and even skin tone.

Several studies have explored these effects. For instance, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on porcine placenta extract showed significant improvements in skin hydration and wrinkles in participants. Topical applications, including serums and creams, are widely available, with some clinics offering more intensive treatments like placenta facials and injections.

Supporting wound healing

Placenta extract's regenerative properties extend to wound care. Its rich content of growth factors and other peptides can help accelerate healing by promoting cell proliferation and reducing inflammation. The use of placenta-derived products in wound management is a documented practice in modern medicine, especially for chronic and non-healing wounds. A case study demonstrated the effectiveness of a placental extract gel in improving the healing and cosmetic outcome of a skin graft donor site in a 12-year-old child.

Hormonal balance and postpartum wellness

In the context of postpartum recovery, the practice of placentophagy has gained attention, with some believing it helps with mood stabilization, energy levels, and milk production. Supporters suggest that ingesting placental hormones might help counteract the dramatic drop in hormone levels after childbirth. However, robust scientific evidence is lacking for these claims related to oral consumption. Injections of placental extract are sometimes used in a clinical setting to manage menopausal symptoms and hormonal irregularities.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

The extract's immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties are another area of therapeutic interest. Oxidative stress and inflammation are linked to various diseases and the aging process. Studies on animal models have shown that placenta extract can increase antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting a protective effect against oxidative damage.

Joint health and osteoarthritis

Emerging research suggests a potential role for placenta extract in treating osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties could help mitigate cartilage degradation and create a more favorable environment for tissue repair. Animal studies have shown promising results, with injections of placental extracts demonstrating reduced joint deformity and a protective effect on cartilage.

Potential risks and considerations

Despite the purported benefits, there are significant risks and considerations associated with using placenta extract. A major concern, particularly with oral consumption, is the lack of regulation and standardization in processing. Improperly handled placental tissue can harbor bacteria and viruses, potentially transmitting infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings regarding the consumption of placenta capsules following a case of newborn infection.


Aspect	Oral Consumption (Placentophagy)	Topical Applications (Creams, Serums)	Injections (Laennec, Placentrax)
Source	Typically human (individual's own)	Often animal (porcine, sheep)	Human, processed under strict conditions
Processing	Encapsulation or raw consumption, with no uniform standards	Sterilized and purified extracts from reputable sources	Pharmaceutical-grade sterilization and virus inactivation
Evidence	Largely anecdotal, minimal clinical evidence	Empirical evidence, some clinical studies showing benefits	More established in clinical settings, especially in Asia
Risks	Potential for infectious disease transmission, heavy metal exposure	Allergic reactions, irritation	Injection site reactions, allergic symptoms, rare systemic effects

For products and treatments derived from human placenta, such as injections used in clinical settings, strict safety protocols are followed, including donor screening and virus inactivation. However, allergic reactions and other adverse effects, though rare, have been reported.

Conclusion

Placenta extract, with its long history in traditional medicine, is now a subject of modern scientific inquiry, exploring its potential benefits in skincare, wound healing, and other areas. While some applications, particularly topical and injectable formats manufactured under controlled conditions, show promising results supported by preliminary research, many claims—especially those related to oral consumption—are not yet backed by rigorous clinical evidence. Consumers should approach products containing placenta extract with a critical eye, prioritizing items from reputable manufacturers that adhere to strict safety standards. Consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended before starting any new supplement or treatment, especially if considering more invasive options like injections or unproven practices like placentophagy. This ensures decisions are based on sound information and a clear understanding of the risks and benefits.

Visit the official website of the National Institutes of Health for detailed studies and research into placental biology and therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety is a significant concern for oral consumption, or placentophagy, which lacks regulatory oversight. Cases of infection have been reported from improperly prepared placenta capsules. The scientific evidence for benefits from oral intake is weak, and the risks may outweigh any potential rewards.

Placenta extract is primarily used in skincare for its anti-aging and regenerative properties. It is rich in growth factors and peptides that can stimulate collagen production, improve skin hydration, and enhance elasticity, leading to a more youthful appearance.

Placenta extract aids in wound healing by supplying growth factors and other bioactive compounds that promote cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and reduce inflammation. This has been studied for applications ranging from burn treatment to skin grafts.

While anecdotal reports link placenta consumption to improved postpartum hormonal balance, clinical evidence is scarce. In a clinical setting, injections of purified placental extract are sometimes used for conditions like menopausal symptoms and liver dysfunction, though regulatory status varies.

For commercial products, placenta extract is typically sourced from animal placentas, such as sheep or porcine, which are ethically harvested and processed under sterile conditions. Some clinical injections use strictly screened human placenta.

Side effects can vary by application method. For injections, potential side effects include pain, bruising, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, more severe complications. For topical products, mild irritation or allergic reactions are possible. Oral consumption risks include exposure to pathogens and heavy metals.

Preliminary research, including animal studies, suggests that human placental extract may have beneficial effects on joint health by reducing inflammation and supporting cartilage regeneration. However, more robust, well-designed human studies are needed to confirm these findings.