Current Issue : October-December Volume : 2025 Issue Number : 4 Articles : 5 Articles
Biomimetic peptides represent a growing class of active ingredients in modern cosmeceuticals, designed to mimic the function of the naturally occurring peptides involved in skin homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. Among them, acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AH-8), often referred to as a “botox-like” peptide, has received considerable attention for its potential to dynamically reduce wrinkles through the modulation of neuromuscular activity. AH-8 is widely used in topical formulations intended for anti-aging effects, scar treatment, and skin rejuvenation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and proposed mechanisms of action of AH-8, with particular focus on its efficacy and skin penetration properties. Due to its hydrophilic nature and relatively large molecular size, AH-8 faces limited permeability through the lipophilic stratum corneum, making effective dermal delivery challenging. Formulation strategies such as oil-in-water (O/W) and multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions have been explored to enhance its delivery, but the ability of AH-8 to reach neuromuscular junctions remains uncertain. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that AH-8 may reduce wrinkle depth, improve skin elasticity, and enhance hydration. However, the precise biological mechanisms underlying these effects—particularly the peptide’s ability to inhibit muscle contraction when applied topically—remain incompletely understood. In some studies, AH-8 has also shown beneficial effects in scar remodeling and sebum regulation. Despite promising cosmetic outcomes, AH-8’s low skin penetration limits its bioavailability and therapeutic potential. This review emphasizes the need for further research on formulation science and delivery systems, which are essential for optimizing the effectiveness of peptide-based cosmeceuticals and validating their use as non-invasive alternatives to injectable treatments....
Waste products from agricultural crops can become valuable if their benefits are discovered. Mangosteen, known as the “queen of fruits”, has a pericarp extract that has been reported to possess various biological activities, including antioxidation, antiinflammation, antimicrobial activity, and UVB protection (in vitro and in vivo). In this work, we revealed that mangosteen pericarp extract (MPE) exhibits photoprotective properties in primary human dermal fibroblasts (PHDFs) exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA). The α-mangostin content, a major compound in MPE, was determined to be 60.9 ± 1.2% using HPLC. In an in vitro, cell-based assay, we first assessed the cytotoxicity of MPE on PHDFs using the MTT assay. The highest concentration of MPE that showed no cytotoxicity was 50.0 μg/mL. For antioxidative effects, MPE reduced intracellular ROS levels induced by H2O2, compared to H2O2-treated PHDFs. To assess the photoprotective effect of MPE, cells were pretreated with MPE for 24 h before exposure to UVA at an intensity of 5 J/cm2. Our data demonstrated that MPE pretreatment reduced the accumulation of senescent cells compared to UVA-induced senescent cells (7.1 ± 2.4% vs. 12.0 ± 0.2%, respectively). In addition, we examined key aging-related markers, including matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and collagen type I. The expression level of MMP-1 levels was 23,873.4 ± 5498.1 pg/mL in MPE-treated, UVAinduced PHDFs, compared to 38,929.1 ± 6971.4 pg/mL in untreated UVA-induced PHDFs. Meanwhile, procollagen type I in MPE-pretreated PHDFs was 56,443.3 ± 3623.8 pg/mL, compared to 37,137.4 ± 4614.8 pg/mL in UVA-induced PHDFs. These experimental results highlight the photoprotective properties of Garcinia mangostana peel extract, which contains α-mangostin as a major compound, and suggest its potential as an active ingredient in cosmeceuticals for protecting against UVA-induced aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the photoprotective effects of MPE on UVA-induced senescent cells....
Background/Objectives: Exosomes, nanosized vesicles secreted by diverse cell types, have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication, tissue repair, and disease pathogenesis. Their roles in dermatology are increasingly recognized, influencing skin health and the progression of various dermatological conditions. This review aims to explore the biogenesis, composition, and mechanisms of exosome uptake in skin cells and their implications in dermatological research and clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted to elucidate the biological composition of exosomes, their roles in skin homeostasis, and their involvement in processes, such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, and barrier function maintenance. This review also examined the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of exosomes in conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and skin cancer. Results: Exosomes were found to contain intricate compositions, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and bioactive molecules, crucial for maintaining skin homeostasis. They demonstrated significant roles in modulating wound healing and skin regeneration. Emerging evidence highlights their involvement in dermatological conditions and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Exosome-based approaches hold promise for advancing disease management, although challenges remain in translating these findings into clinical applications. Conclusions: Exosomes represent a promising frontier in dermatology, with the potential to revolutionize the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of skin-related disorders. Despite the challenges, their complexity and versatility underscore their potential in developing personalized skin health strategies. Further research is warranted to address the existing gaps and harness the full therapeutic potential of exosomes in dermatological applications....
Excessive hair loss can negatively impact psychological well-being and personal appearance. Providing effective hair growth products containing natural ingredients to people with hair loss can solve this problem. This study investigates Biosea® Revive serum (BRS), a novel hair care product containing biotinoyl tripeptide-1 and Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract as the main ingredients, as a natural intervention for hair growth. Results from the in vitro study demonstrates that BRS not only increased human hair dermal papilla cell (HHDPC) cell proliferation, but also reduced reactive oxygen species generation and 5α- reductase expression when compared to the control group, with BRS showing similar effect to the positive control, minoxidil. In addition, a 90-day clinical trial with 40 participants (KMUHIRB-F(I)-20230125; approval date: 18 August 2023) was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of BRS. The results revealed that BRS can improve hair density and quality in both men and women participants, with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in women (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no adverse effects on blood parameters or scalp irritation reported after BRS treatment. In conclusion, we suggest that BRS offers a safe and effective solution for improving hair follicle health and is suitable for long-term use....
This study deals with the extraction of active compounds for a formula (Angelica gigas, Cornus officinalis, Ganoderma lucidum, Thymus vulgaris, and Asparagus cochinchinensis) and the evaluation of its skin anti-aging properties. This formulation was inspired by the oriental medicine Gongjin-dan (Angelica gigas, Cornus officinalis, deer antler, and musk), which has been used as a restorative drug for longevity. Enzyme-based extraction and chemical purification were used to obtain a mixed fraction (GEF) enriched in glycopeptides and glycoproteins from the five herbal materials. The chemical characteristics of GEF, including the carbohydrate groups attached to the peptides and proteins, the total carbohydrate and protein contents, and the composition of monosaccharides and amino acids were determined. The chemical characteristics that were significantly different from those of the extract, generally prepared in the same ratio, were the abundance of glycopeptides and glycoproteins and the high proportions of conditionally essential amino acids (51.0%) and acidic/basic amino acids (67.7%). These are necessary components for strengthening the skin layers against aging. The in vitro skin anti-aging properties of GEF on human fibroblasts (HS68), keratinocytes (HaCaT), and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) were evaluated. It was found that MMP-1 gene expression was inhibited (18–28%) and fibrillin-1 protein (23–37%) was restored contrary to the effect of UV irradiation. COL1A1 and COL4A1 gene expression (25–35%), HAS2 gene expression (22–213%), and adipogenesis (15%) were facilitated. These results demonstrate the potential of GEF as a raw material for skin anti-aging and reinforce the scientific evidence supporting a traditional medicine with a long history....
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