Black ginseng, a plant derivative obtained from a traditional processing method, could open a new avenue for slowing down skin aging. Laboratory work shows that its extract acts on molecular processes linked to the degradation of collagen, which is of direct interest to the field of dermatology.
Produced from
Panax ginseng through a preparation involving repeated steaming and drying, black ginseng undergoes a change in its chemical composition. This transformation promotes the appearance of less common compounds, such as ginsenosides Rg3, Rg5, and RK1, whose biological activity appears more pronounced than that of the molecules present in white or red ginseng.
Illustration image Pixabay
To study these effects, researchers used human fibroblasts, cells important for the production of connective tissue. They noted that black ginseng extract decreased the expression of MMP‑1, an enzyme that degrades collagen, even at low concentrations. This observation suggests a possible protection of the skin's architecture against inflammatory signals, helping to maintain its firmness.
To complement these results, a three-dimensional reconstructed skin model was used. In this system, lesions induced by SDS provoked an inflammatory response, increasing levels of prostaglandin E₂. The addition of 0.1% black ginseng extract significantly reduced these markers while increasing TIMP‑1, a natural inhibitor of degradation enzymes. These data indicate a readjustment of tissue repair mechanisms.
A molecular analysis allowed for the identification of rare ginsenosides and the study of their interaction with proteins associated with inflammatory aging. These compounds show promising binding affinities with several protein targets involved in inflammatory signaling pathways, supporting the idea of a direct action on the processes of skin aging.
All this data shows a potential interest in black ginseng extract for cosmetic and dermatological formulations. By acting simultaneously on inflammation and the preservation of collagen, it could help maintain more resilient and younger-looking skin through a natural process.