Curcumin and EGCG combined formulation in nanostructured lipid carriers for anti-aging applications

Chidchanok Prathumwon a , Songyot Anuchapreeda b , Kanokwan Kiattisin a , Pawaret Panyajai b , Panikchar Wichayapreechar d , Young-Joon Surh e , Chadarat Ampasavate a,c,*

a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

b Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

c Center for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

d Department of Cosmetic Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand

e College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-741, South Korea

Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

E-mail address: 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。 (C. Ampasavate).

ABSTRACT

Curcumin (Cur) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary active compounds in turmeric and green tea, respectively, have been investigated for their anti-aging potential. The Cur and EGCG combination was encapsulated in sustained-release nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to enhance their bioactivities and pharmaceutical properties. A significant enhancement in the antioxidant activities of the Cur and EGCG combination was observed at an optimal ratio, as demonstrated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (118.83 ± 3.78 %), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay (217.25 ± 13.45 %), and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay (106.08 ± 12.93 %), compared to Cur alone without compromising the antioxidant activities and total phenolic content of EGCG. This is due to the enhancement of total phenolic content of the combination of 218.83 ± 10.57 %. For anti-aging activities, the combination exhibited stimulation of SIRT1 protein and inhibition of collagenase and elastase of 27.53 ± 0.73 %, 43.70 ± 1.05 % and 51.76 ± 6.52 % compared with that achieved with Cur alone, respectively. The incorporation of the Cur and EGCG combination into NLCs resulted in high entrapment efficiencies of 98.60 ± 0.05 % for Cur and 98.40 ± 0.08 % for EGCG, with corresponding loading capacities of 0.789 ± 0.001 % and 3.935 ± 0.003 %, respectively. When formulated NLCs into an emulgel base, the system demonstrated sustained release profiles over 48 h, with 12.82 ± 0.99 % release of Cur and 63.77 ± 5.76 % release of EGCG. Significant skin retention was also observed after 24 h, with 23.88 ± 1.71 % Cur and 22.79 ± 4.65 % EGCG retained in the skin. Therefore, Cur: EGCG-loaded NLCs in emulgel can deliver the active compounds into the dermis, enhancing skin penetration, sustained delivery, and anti-aging activity superior to each conventional single active compound in topical formulations.

ARTICLE INFO

Keywords: Curcumin   Epigallocatechin gallate    SIRT1  Anti-aging  HaCaT cells  Nanostructured lipid carriers  Skin

Small molecule conjugates with selective estrogen receptor b agonism promote anti-aging benefits in metabolism and skin recovery

Tarik Zahra,b,y , Vijay K. Bodac,d,y , Jian Gee,f,y , Lexiang Yua,g , Zhongzhi Wuc,d , Jianwen Quee,f,h, *, Wei Lic,d, *, Li Qianga,g, *

a Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA

b Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA

c Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA

d Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA

e Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA

f Center for Human Development, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA

g Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA

h Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA

*Corresponding authors.

E-mail addresses: 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。 (Jianwen Que), 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。 (Wei Li), 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。 (Li Qiang).

These authors made equal contributions to this work.

Peer review under the responsibility of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Received 22 October 2023; received in revised form 13 December 2023; accepted 5 January 2024

KEY WORDS Estrogen receptor b; Aging; Metabolism; Skin injury; Muscle metabolism; Small molecule conjugates; Regeneration; Adiposity

Skin anti-aging potential of Launaea procumbens extract: Antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities supported by ADMET and molecular docking studies

Hanan Khojah a , Shaima R. Ahmed a,* , Shahad Y. Alharbi a , Kholood K. AlSabeelah a ,

Hatham Y. Alrayyes a , Kadi B. Almusayyab a , Shahad R. Alrawiliy a , Raghad M. Alshammari a ,

Sumera Qasim b

a Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia

b Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding author at: College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia.

E-mail address: 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。 (S.R. Ahmed)

ARTICLE INFO

Keywords:

Launaea procumbens

Anti-aging

ADMET

Docking

ABSTRACT

Aging is a natural process that occurs in all living organisms. Particularly, the skin embodies aging since it serves as a barrier between the body and its surroundings. Previously, we reported the wound healing effect of Launaea procumbens and identified compounds therein. The study aims to explore the skin anti-aging properties of the plant extract. To that effect, the antioxidant potential of L. procumbens methanolic extract (LPM) was assessed using two complementary DPPH and FRAP assays. The enzyme inhibitory effect of the extract on collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase was evaluated to assess the direct skin anti-aging effects. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated to explore the indirect anti-aging effects via the assessment of extract inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). In addition, ADMET and molecular docking studies were performed to explore the interaction mechanisms of identified compounds in LPM with target enzymes. LPM demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50 = 29.08 µg/mL) and FRAP (1214.67 µM FeSO4/g extract) assays. Plant extract showed significant inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase (IC50 = 52.68, 43.76, 31.031, and 37.13 µg/mL, respectively). The extract demonstrated significant COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition capacity with IC50 values of 8.635 and 10.851 µg/mL, respectively. The molecular docking study revealed the high potential of the identified compounds to bind to the active sites of enzymes crucially involved in the skin aging process. ADMET analysis of the compounds revealed their good absorption, distribution, and metabolism profiles, and they were found to be safe as well. Study findings suggest L. procumbens as a promising source for the development of natural skin anti-aging and anti oxidant compounds. This, in turn, may facilitate its incorporation into cosmetic formulations after further investigation.

Phytoestrogens as Natural Anti-Aging Solutions for Enhanced Collagen Synthesis in Skin

Nahid Amini | Christina Osterlund | Jessen Curpen | Virginie Lafon-Kolb | Thibaud Richard | Lene Visdal-Johnsen Global Research and Development, Oriflame Cosmetics, Stockholm, Sweden

Correspondence: Nahid Amini (该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。)

Received: 19 September 2024 | Revised: 15 November 2024 | Accepted: 25 November 2024

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Keywords: collagen | data mining | dermal density | Glycyrrhiza uralensis | phytoestrogen

ABSTRACT

Background: The dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic scaffold composed mainly of proteins, with collagen as the key structural component providing resilience and support to the skin. Post-menopause, declining estrogen levels lead to a significant reduction in skin health, notably a 30% decrease in collagen types I and III within 5 years.

Aim: To discover natural extracts that stimulate collagen production.

Methods: We utilized PathwayStudio to analyze protein–protein interactions and identify regulators of essential collagen types. Our study assessed Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract's ability to boost collagen production and enhance dermal density both in vitro and in vivo.

Results: PathwayStudio analysis highlighted phytoestrogens including glycyrrhizin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, liquiritin, and glabrol, as potential candidates. Liquorice rhizome (G. uralensis), used in traditional Chinese medicine, is rich in phytoestrogens like liquiritigenin. The G. uralensis extract increased collagen I and III gene expression and pro-collagen I protein levels in human dermal fibroblasts and inhibited UVB and pollution-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) production. In an in vivo study, a topical formulation containing the extract significantly improved dermal density after 56days, measured by the DUB SkinScanner.

Conclusions: These findings suggest G. uralensis extract as a promising agent for enhancing collagen production and skin health, particularly in postmenopausal women. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and long-term effects.

Cordyceps militaris-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology

Trung Quang Nguyen 1 , Thinh Van Pham 2 , Yusuf Andriana 3 and Minh Ngoc Truong 4,5,*

1 Institute of Environmental Science and Public Health, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi 11353, Vietnam; 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。

2 Faculty of Tourism and Culinary, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam; 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。

3 Research Center for Appropriate Technology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Subang 41213, Indonesia; 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。

4 Center for High Technology Research and Development, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

5 Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

* Correspondence: 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。

Academic Editor: Shige Wang

Received: 9 December 2024

Revised: 23 December 2024

Accepted: 25 December 2024

Published: 3 January 2025

Citation: Nguyen, T.Q.; Van Pham, T.; Andriana, Y.; Truong, M.N. Cordyceps militaris-Derived Bioactive Gels:

Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology. Gels 2025, 11, 33. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/gels11010033

Copyright: © 2025 by the authors.

Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/).

Abstract: Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. This review explores the potential of C. militaris-derived bioactive gels for applications in dermatology and skincare, with a particular focus on their therapeutic and anti-aging benefits. In response to the rising incidence of skin cancers and the growing demand for natural bioactive ingredients, C. militaris has emerged as a valuable source of functional compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine. These compounds exhibit multiple bioactivities, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to be particularly effective against melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of C. militaris enhance skin resilience by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby addressing skin health and anti-aging requirements. The potential for incorporating C. militaris compounds into gel-based formulations for skincare is also ex amined, either as standalone bioactives or in combination with synergistic ingredients. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of clinical trials and standardization to establish the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of such applications. By providing a safer alternative to synthetic agents, C. militaris-derived bioactive gels represent a promising advancement in dermatology and skincare.

Keywords: anti-aging; bioactive compounds; Cordyceps militaris; dermatology; skincare; therapeutic properties

Investigation of the anti-skin aging effects of taurine through mendelian randomization analysis of its relationship with immune cells

Hongtao Liu, MD1 | Honglai Zheng, MD1 | Siyuan Zhou, MD2 | Quan Lin, MD3

1 Guangxi Health Science College, Nanning, China

2 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

3 The People's Hospital of Laibin, Laibin, China

Hongtao Liu and Honglai Zheng contributed equally to this work.

Correspondence

Quan Lin, The People's Hospital of Laibin, Laibin 546100, China.

Email: 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。

[Correction added on 26 August 2024, after first online publication:The spelling of the second author’s surname has been corrected in this version.]

Abstract

Background: Aging skin, exacerbated by external factors like UV radiation and pollutants, is a major cosmetic concern. Taurine, renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may combat skin aging. We performed mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal link between taurine and immune cells linked to skin aging.

Objectives: To investigate the association between taurine and immune cells using mendelian randomization, to thereby explore the mechanism through which taurine exerts anti-aging effects on the skin via immune modulation.

Methods: A MR approach was employed using taurine-level data from the Ieu Open GWAS Project and immunocyte traits from a large European cohort. MR-Egger regression, weighted median estimation, and inverse variance weighting all provided statistical insights into causality. Sensitivity analyses assessed the heterogeneity and pleiotropy among the genetic instruments used.

Results: MR analysis identified a causal relationship between taurine levels and 10 immunocyte phenotypes, with taurine found to be negatively and positively associated with three and seven phenotypes, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy, suggesting reliable MR findings.

Conclusion: This study provides insights into the immunological pathways by which taurine contributes to skin anti-aging effects, suggesting that increasing taurine levels could offer a novel strategy for anti-aging skincare.

KEYWORDS

anti-aging treatment, immune cells, Mendelian randomization, monocytes, taurine