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

Anti-Aging Effects of Flavonoids from Plant Extracts

Bogdan Păcularu-Burada 1,2 , Alexandru-Ionut, Cîrîc 3,* and Mihaela Begea 3

1 ICA Research & Development S.R.L., 202 Splaiul Independent,ei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; 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 Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, 011885 Bucharest, Romania

3 Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independent,ei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; 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。

* 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。

Citation: Păcularu-Burada, B.; Cîrîc, A.-I.; Begea, M. Anti-Aging Effects of Flavonoids from Plant Extracts. Foods

2024, 13, 2441. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/foods13152441

Academic Editor: Barry Parsons

Received: 4 July 2024

Revised: 25 July 2024

Accepted: 29 July 2024

Published: 2 August 2024

Copyright: © 2024 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: Aging is a natural and irreversible process, affecting living organisms by negatively impacting the tissues’ and cells’ morphology and functionality and consequently being responsible for aging-related diseases. Taking into account the actual preoccupations of both consumers and researchers, healthy anti-aging alternatives are being intensively studied in order to address such concerns. Due to their functional features, plant flavonoids can be considered valuable nutraceuticals. This paper highlights the possibilities to use flavonoids extracted from various plants for their antiaging potential on the skin, brain, and heart. Moreover, their anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties are summarized, along with the senescence-associated mechanisms. Both the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields are continuously developing and flavonoids originating from plants are promising candidates to obtain such products. Thus, the bioactive compounds’ extraction and their subsequent involvement in innovative product manufacturing must be carefully performed while being aware of the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect the phytochemicals’ structures, bioavailability, and health effects.

Keywords: flavonoids; senescence; diseases; anti-aging; nutraceuticals

Novel Approach to Skin Anti-Aging: Boosting Pharmacological Effects of Exogenous Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ ) by Synergistic Inhibition of CD38 Expression

Seongsu Kang 1 , Jiwon Park 1 , Zhihong Cheng 2 , Sanghyun Ye 1 , Seung-Hyun Jun 1,* and Nae-Gyu Kang 1,*

1 LG Household and Health Care R&D Center, Seoul 07795, Republic of Korea; 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.K.); 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。 (J.P.); 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.Y.)

2 Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; 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。

* 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。 (S.-H.J.); 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。 (N.-G.K.); Tel.: +82-2-6980-1239 (S.-H.J.); +82-2-6980-1533 (N.-G.K.)

Citation: Kang, S.; Park, J.; Cheng, Z.; Ye, S.; Jun, S.-H.; Kang, N.-G. Novel Approach to Skin Anti-Aging: Boosting Pharmacological Effects of Exogenous Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ ) by Synergistic Inhibition of CD38 Expression. Cells 2024, 13, 1799.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ cells13211799

Academic Editor: Paweł Kordowitzki

Received: 8 October 2024

Revised: 28 October 2024

Accepted: 28 October 2024

Published: 30 October 2024

Copyright: © 2024 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: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) is indispensable for the regulation of biological metabolism. Previous studies have revealed its role in aging and degenerative diseases, while crucially showing that supplementation with NAD+ or its precursors could ameliorate or reverse the progression of aging. Despite extensive evidence for the role and action of NAD+ in aging, its pharmacological activity on the skin, or even its mechanism, has not been elucidated. In this study, we established a novel approach to effectively utilize NAD+ for skin anti-aging by enhancing the pharmacological efficacy of exogenous NAD+ using a phytochemical complex consisting of quercetin, and enoxolone through inhibition of CD38. Through the comprehensive in vitro experiments based on human fibroblasts, we observed that exogenous NAD+ could exert protective effects against both extrinsic aging induced by ultraviolet light exposure and intrinsic aging. Additionally, we found that its effects were significantly boosted by quercetin and enoxolone. In this in-depth study, we demonstrated that these beneficial effects are mediated by improved sirtuin activation, autophagy, and mitochondrial functionality. Our approach is expected to verify the applicability of the topical application of NAD+ and offer more effective solutions for the unmet needs of patients and consumers who demand more effective anti-aging effects.

Keywords: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ); quercetin; enoxolone; anti-aging; topical application; CD38

Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review

Andrada Pintea 1 , Andrei Manea 1,* , Cezara Pintea 1 , Robert-Alexandru Vlad 2 , Magdalena Bîrsan 3 , Paula Antonoaea 2 , Emöke Margit Rédai 2 and Adriana Ciurba 2

1 Medicine and Pharmacy Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania

2 Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; 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。 (A.C.)

3 Department of Drug Industry and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania

* 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 Editors: Maurice Am Van

Steensel and Jean-Luc Poyet

Received: 29 November 2024

Revised: 28 December 2024

Accepted: 8 January 2025

Published: 9 January 2025

Citation: Pintea, A.; Manea, A.; Pintea, C.; Vlad, R.-A.; Bîrsan, M.; Antonoaea, P.; Rédai, E.M.; Ciurba, A.

Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin

Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules 2025, 15, 88. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/biom15010088

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: One class of cosmetic compounds that have raised interest of many experts is peptides. The search for ingredients with good biocompatibility and bioactivity has led to the use of peptides in cosmetic products. Peptides are novel active ingredients that improve collagen synthesis, enhance skin cell proliferation, or decrease inflammation. Based on their mechanism of action, they can be classified into signal peptides, carrier peptides, neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides, and enzyme inhibitor peptides. This review focuses on the main types of peptides and their application in the cosmetic field, underlining their main limitations. One of the most significant drawbacks of cosmetic peptides is their poor permeability through membranes, which limits their delivery and effectiveness. As a result, this review follows the methods used for improving permeability through the stratum corneum. Increasing peptide bioavailability and stability for enhanced delivery to the desired site of action and visible effects have become central points for the latest research due to their promising features. For this purpose, several methods have been identified and described. Physical techniques include thermal ablation (radiofrequency and laser), electrical methods (electroporation, iontophoresis), mechanical approach (microneedles), and ultrasounds. As an alternative, innovative formulations have been developed in nanosystems such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, nanoemulsions, and other nanomaterials to reduce skin irritation and improve product effectiveness. The purpose of this review is to provide the latest information regarding these noteworthy molecules and the reasoning behind their use in cosmetic formulations.

Keywords: cosmetic peptides; anti-aging products; permeability; nano-systems