SPAGYRIC HERBALISM
The mechanism of black ginseng extract in alleviating inflammatory aging
Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology
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Black ginseng extract (4 μg/mL) could inhibit the expression of MMP-1 in human foreskin fibroblasts damaged by inflammation. Additionally, 0.1% BGE could not only inhibit the secretion of PGE2 in a reconstructed 3D skin model damaged by SDS but also appear to have a reversing effect on aging. Meanwhile, the molecular docking results showed that ginsenoside Rg3, ginsenoside Rg5, and ginsenoside Rk1 had strong binding with target proteins of inflammation and aging. The results of the study showed that BGE has an effective effect in improving skin inflammation and aging. In addition, the specific pathways through which rare ginsenosides in BGE play a role in improving skin inflammatory aging need to be further explored.
view moreCredit: "Syoung Cosmetics Manufacturing Co., Ltd.,"
Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by both intrinsic factors, such as genetic programming and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors, including ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollutants. Regardless of the initiating cause, accumulating evidence has indicated that chronic, low-grade inflammation plays a central role in accelerating skin aging. The concept of inflammatory aging describes a persistent pro-inflammatory state characterized by elevated levels of cytokines and mediators that progressively impair tissue structure and function. In the skin, inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been shown to upregulate matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), a key enzyme responsible for collagen degradation, ultimately leading to wrinkle formation and loss of skin elasticity.
In this context, the present study investigated the potential of black ginseng extract (BGE) to mitigate inflammatory aging and explored its underlying mechanisms. Black ginseng is a uniquely processed form of Panax ginseng, produced through repeated steaming and drying cycles. This process results in the conversion of conventional ginsenosides into rare ginsenosides, such as Rg3, Rg5, and RK1, which are known to exhibit enhanced biological activities compared with those found in white or red ginseng. While black ginseng has been increasingly applied in health foods and nutraceuticals, its mechanistic role in skin anti-aging, particularly in inflammation-driven aging, has remained insufficiently characterized.
Using human foreskin fibroblasts, the study demonstrated that BGE effectively reduced MMP-1 expression at a low concentration of 4 μg/mL, suggesting its ability to protect collagen integrity under inflammatory conditions. To better simulate the structural and functional characteristics of human skin, a reconstructed 3D skin model was employed. In this model, SDS-induced damage triggered an inflammatory response marked by elevated PGE₂ secretion. Treatment with 0.1% BGE significantly suppressed PGE₂ levels while simultaneously enhancing the expression of TIMP-1, an endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases. These findings indicated that BGE could restore the balance between matrix degradation and inhibition, thereby contributing to the maintenance of skin homeostasis.
In addition to experimental validation, the study combined high-performance liquid chromatography with molecular docking analysis to further elucidate the molecular basis of BGE’s activity. The identification of rare ginsenosides and their favorable binding affinities to proteins involved in inflammatory aging provided mechanistic support at the molecular level. Overall, this integrative approach demonstrated that black ginseng extract exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects through multiple pathways, reinforcing its potential as a scientifically supported active ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications.
Journal
Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Cells
Article Title
The mechanism of black ginseng extract in alleviating inflammatory aging
Phytoconstituents, mechanisms and delivery systems in polyherbal formulations for anti-aging skincare
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
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Graphical abstract
view moreCredit: Gulshan Rathore, et al
Skin aging is a complicated process affected by extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and environmental pollutants, in addition to intrinsic factors such as oxidative stress and cellular senescence. These factors initiate inflammation, collagen breakdown, and visible signs of aging. In a new review in the Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology, a team of researchers in India highlighted the opportunity to combine some of the most sophisticated dermal delivery methods with traditional ethnobotanical knowledge to increase bioavailability and efficacy of herbal actives.
The authors included an explanation of the complex biology of skin aging, which results from the interactions of intrinsic factors such as genetic programming, cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and extrinsic factors including UV radiation and pollution. These elements collectively trigger inflammation, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and break down crucial extracellular matrix (ECM) components like collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity.
Notably, single-ingredient approaches are often insufficient for this multifactorial process. Polyherbal formulations, which combine multiple plant extracts, offer a synergistic advantage. They enable multi-targeted intervention across the interconnected pathways of aging, potentially enhancing efficacy while reducing the toxicity risks associated with high doses of single compounds.
The review features seven key anti-aging plants: Curcuma longa (turmeric), Curcuma aromatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Calendula officinalis, Boehavia diffusa, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), and Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile). It discusses their specific bioactive phytoconstituents—such as curcumin, glabridin, withanolides, and apigenin—and their mechanistic roles. These activities include potent antioxidant action to neutralize ROS, anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen, stimulation of collagen synthesis, and improvement of skin barrier function and hydration.
In conclusion, the review synthesizes traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern cosmetic science. It argues that strategically designed polyherbal formulations, especially when paired with advanced delivery platforms, represent a powerful, sustainable, and holistic alternative to synthetic anti-aging agents. By simultaneously targeting multiple causes of aging, these formulations offer a comprehensive and scientifically grounded approach for effective skin rejuvenation and the development of next-generation cosmeceuticals.
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Contact the author:
Gulshan Rathore
Corresponding author.
gulshan.pharmacy@tmu.ac.in
Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad 244102, India
The publisher KeAi was established by Elsevier and China Science Publishing & Media Ltd to unfold quality research globally. In 2013, our focus shifted to open access publishing. We now proudly publish more than 200 world-class, open access, English language journals, spanning all scientific disciplines. Many of these are titles we publish in partnership with prestigious societies and academic institutions, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
Journal
Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology
Method of Research
Literature review
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