Plant Extracts as Skin Care and Therapeutic Agents

Abstract

Natural ingredients have been used for centuries for skin treatment and care. Interest in the health effects of plants has recently increased due to their safety and applicability in the formulation of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Long-known plant materials as well as newly discovered ones are increasingly being used in natural products of plant origin. This review highlights the beneficial effects of plants and plant constituents on the skin, including moisturizing (e.g., Cannabis sativa, Hydrangea serrata, Pradosia mutisii and Carthamus tinctorius), anti-aging (e.g., Aegopodium podagraria, Euphorbia characias, Premna odorata and Warburgia salutaris), antimicrobial (e.g., Betula pendula and Epilobium angustifolium), antioxidant (e.g., Kadsura coccinea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rubus idaeus and Spatholobus suberectus), anti-inflammatory (e.g., Antidesma thwaitesianum, Helianthus annuus, Oenanthe javanica, Penthorum chinense, Ranunculus bulumei and Zanthoxylum bungeanum), regenerative (e.g., Aloe vera, Angelica polymorpha, Digitaria ciliaris, Glycyrrihza glabra and Marantodes pumilum), wound healing (e.g., Agrimonia eupatoria, Astragalus floccosus, Bursera morelensis, Jatropha neopauciflora and Sapindus mukorossi), photoprotective (e.g., Astragalus gombiformis, Calea fruticose, Euphorbia characias and Posoqueria latifolia) and anti-tyrosinase activity (e.g., Aerva lanata, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Dodonaea viscosa, Lonicera japonica and Schisandra chinensis), as well as their role as excipients in cosmetics (coloring (e.g., Beta vulgaris, Centaurea cyanus, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Rubia tinctiorum), protective and aromatic agents (e.g., Hyssopus officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Pelargonium graveolens and Verbena officinalis)).

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as a Novel Bio-Based Matrix for Ready-to-Use Natural Antioxidants-Enriched Ingredients: Extraction and Formulation Optimization

“…NaDES diluted in methanol was used as control. Total carotenoid content (TCC) was then calculated using the absorbance at 450 as shown in Equation (2).…”

“…Natural antioxidants play a crucial role in various essential processes in skin aging, such as preventing inflammation and UV damage or regenerating cells. Botanical extracts provide a wide range of antioxidants, from nonpolar carotenoids and curcumin to highly polar flavonoids or tannins [1][2][3][4]. The growing demand for natural active ingredients in cosmetics has revalued plant extracts as a relevant source of antioxidants.…”

“…The growing demand for natural active ingredients in cosmetics has revalued plant extracts as a relevant source of antioxidants. These ingredients can be utilized as active agents in antiaging skincare or sun protection products, as well as functional ingredients for preserving cosmetics [2,3].…”

Cytotoxicity and Multi-Enzyme Inhibition of Nepenthes miranda Stem Extract on H838 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells and RPA32, Elastase, Tyrosinase, and Hyaluronidase Proteins

“…Accordingly, the continual discovery of anti-aging agents holds substantial value. Plant-based compounds, particularly secondary metabolites and whole plant extracts, have been extensively studied for their anti-aging properties [ 18 ]. Plants are rich in compounds like polyphenols, renowned for their potent antioxidant properties, combating aging and photodamage.…”

Enhanced Hydrogel Materials: Incorporating Vitamin C and Plant Extracts for Biomedical Applications

“…Selected plant extracts, such as Calendula officinalis and Arnica montana, are known for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties [ 13 , 14 ]. Their modification of hydrogels can increase their effectiveness and speed, which can significantly improve the healing process and reduce the risk of infection [ 15 ]. Arnica montana and Calendula officinalis extracts are natural sources of compounds with proven anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”