AGEs Blocker™ (Goji Berry, Fig, and Korean Mint Mixed Extract) Inhibits Skin Aging Caused by Streptozotocin-Induced Glycation in Hairless Mice

Abstract

Glycation is a cause of skin aging. This study investigated in a glycation-induced skin aging mouse model the effects on skin and mechanism of action of AGEs Blocker™ (AB), which contains goji berry, fig, and Korean mint mixed extract. This study sought to demonstrate the antiglycation effect of streptozotocin, thereby improving skin aging, by measuring advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and various skin parameters, including collagen; matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); inflammatory cytokines; activities of oxidative enzymes; and skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration. This study found that skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration improved with AB. Particularly, the oral administration of AB suppressed AGEs, receptors of AGEs, and carboxymethyl lysine in blood and skin tissue. In addition, AB increased the activities of antioxidative enzymes, reduced inflammatory cytokines, suppressed MMP-9 expression, and increased the contents of collagen and hyaluronic acid, ultimately suppressing skin wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity and hydration. Therefore, AB can inhibit skin aging through its antiglycation effect and is thus considered a good ingredient for skin care products.

The effects of advanced glycation end‐products on skin and potential anti‐glycation strategies

“…42 The manifestations of AGEs-induced skin ageing include wrinkles, skin discoloration, reduced radiance, and impaired skin barrier function. 16,43…”

“…6,14,15 During oxidative stress, accumulation of ROS as a consequence of an imbalance between the production of ROS and the body's antioxidant defences could oxidise and modify proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to promote AGE formation, which occurs in various pathological conditions and during normal ageing. 11,16 As a component of the immune response, inflammatory processes in the body can trigger glycation reactions and stimulate the production of AGEs. High blood sugar levels, as seen in diabetes, accelerate glycation reactions, leading to increased AGE production and further aggravating the disease process.…”

“…85 AGEs Blocker (AB), which consist of goji berry, fig, and Korean mint mixed extract, could improve skin wrinkling, elasticity and hydration in a glycation-induced skin ageing mouse model while oral AB inhibits AGEs, AGE receptors and carboxymethyl lysine in blood and skin tissues. 16 Akebia quinata fruit extract (AQFE) is a kind of traditional medicine used to treat urinary tract inflammatory disease in Korea and China. AQFE can protect human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) from oxidative stress and inhibit the glycation reaction between BSA and glucose in a dose-dependent manner.…”

“…The accumulation of AGEs can impact cellular homoeostasis and protein structure, thus is implicated in numerous skin conditions 53 . AGEs cross‐link with collagen fibres in the skin, reducing skin elasticity and causing wrinkles, sagging and fine lines, which is a major contributor to skin ageing 16 . AGEs can activate RAGE and initiate pro‐inflammatory pathways, leading to uneven skin pigmentation and the formation of dark spots and blemishes.…”

“…However, excessive AGEs accumulation, as observed in conditions like diabetes or chronic inflammation, can have detrimental health implications and contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases 6,14,15 . During oxidative stress, accumulation of ROS as a consequence of an imbalance between the production of ROS and the body's antioxidant defences could oxidise and modify proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to promote AGE formation, which occurs in various pathological conditions and during normal ageing 11,16 . As a component of the immune response, inflammatory processes in the body can trigger glycation reactions and stimulate the production of AGEs.…”