Sang Hyun Moh

Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap regarding the medicinal properties of non-fruit parts. The diverse skin benefits of WPBS, including its anti-photoaging, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, were investigated. The WPBS extract enhanced the viability of keratinocytes (HaCaT) without inducing cytotoxic effects. WPBS significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels and increased collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) levels (p < 0.01) in fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, indicating strong anti-photoaging effects. WPBS upregulated skin hydration markers such as aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) and effectively accelerated fibroblast wound closure compared to the positive control. Furthermore, WPBS substantially downregulated the expression of inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-1β) and angiogenic markers (VEGF). Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) confirmed that WPBS suppressed inflammation-related and UV-induced gene expression pathways. Overall, these findings expand the therapeutic scope of B. scoparia beyond its traditional fruit use and suggest that WPBS is a promising botanical ingredient for various skin applications.

The cosmetic industry faces a critical need to balance commercial innovation with scientific validation, especially regarding the safety and efficacy of raw materials. Plant-derived materials (PDMs) offer a promising alternative to animal-derived ingredients in cosmetics, particularly due to their safety and compliance with vegan and ethical standards. Unlike compounds such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is derived from the testis or seminal fluid of Salmonidae species and raises concerns regarding its origin, sustainability, and consumer acceptability, PDMs provide a cleaner, ethically preferable profile. In this study, we evaluated 50 PDM candidates using in vitro cell viability, wound healing, and immunocytochemistry assays, along with primary skin irritation tests in human participants. None of the samples showed harmful effects. Notably, sample Nos. 38 and 42 demonstrated significant wound-healing capacity and upregulated filaggrin expression without causing notable irritation in clinical testing. These findings support the biological activity and safety of specific PDMs as functional cosmetic ingredients. This study presents scientifically validated evidence for plant-based alternatives to animal-derived materials and offers a new milestone in the shift toward sustainable and ethical cosmetic development. By bridging the gap between consumer demand and scientific rigor, this study provides a robust platform for future innovations in vegan cosmetics.

Potyviruses, a major group of plant viruses, utilize HC-Pro, a multifunctional protein, to suppress RNA silencing, a crucial plant defense mechanism. While HC-Pro’s role in RNA silencing suppression has been studied in several potyviruses, the specific mechanisms and interactions of HC-Pro from bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), a potyvirus with a broad host range, remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study aimed to investigate the role of P1 and HC-Pro from BYMV in enhancing gene expression and suppressing RNA silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana. The findings revealed that BYMV HC-Pro significantly enhanced reporter transgene expression, likely through the suppression of RNA silencing pathways. This effect was further amplified by the presence of the P1 protein, another viral component. Analysis of HC-Pro mutants revealed that the conserved FRNK box within HC-Pro is crucial for its suppression activity and its ability to enhance gene expression. Furthermore, HC-Pro significantly downregulated the expression of key RNA silencing-related genes, including DCL2, DCL4, RDR6, AGO1-1, AGO1-2, and AGO2. These findings demonstrate that the BYMV P1::HC-Pro complex serves as a potent suppressor of RNA silencing and a promising tool for enhancing gene expression in plants. The results have significant implications for developing novel strategies in plant biotechnology, particularly for the production of high-value recombinant proteins.

Aloe vera has garnered significant scientific and commercial attention due to its multifaceted therapeutic and cosmetic potential. This study aimed to investigate the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of Aloe vera phytoplacenta extract (AVPE) on HaCaT cells and skin health. To achieve this, we investigated AVPE, produced using advanced in vitro cell culture techniques, and its effects on HaCaT cells. At 2% concentration, AVPE demonstrated remarkable biological effects, increasing AQP3 protein expression by 120% and healing area fourfold while simultaneously reducing COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) by 43% and iNOS mRNA by 48%. An AVPE-containing product notably reduced facial skin temperature to 24.9 °C compared to 32.3 °C for the control product. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of transcriptional changes in HaCaT cells after AVPE treatment revealed 14 upregulated and 58 downregulated RNAs. Upregulated processes included response to hydrogen peroxide and muscle cell migration, while downregulated processes involved cell–cell adhesion and synaptic transmission. Pathway analysis further highlighted significant metabolic changes, including upregulation of pentose phosphate and galactose metabolism pathways and downregulation of the leishmaniasis and GABAergic synapse pathways. In addition, gene expression data indicated subtle changes in epidermal differentiation genes, modulation of inflammatory markers, and alterations in genes related to cell signaling and skin-specific functions. Our comprehensive findings underscore AVPE’s potential in enhancing skin healing, regulating temperature, and modulating cellular processes.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Eryngium maritimum L. (EM) callus media filtrate (ECMF) for enhanced skin delivery through multilayered liposomes (MLs). ECMF was applied to human skin cells to assess its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier-enhancing properties. ECMF was encapsulated in MLs to enhance delivery efficiency, creating a formulation called Cellbiome. Clinical trials involving human participants were conducted to compare its effects with traditional formulations, assessing parameters such as skin density, hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction. Cellbiome significantly improved skin density and moisturization, outperforming conventional formulations. ML encapsulation facilitated deeper penetration of active ingredients beyond the stratum corneum, leading to synchronized improvements in multiple skin parameters, including elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin health. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further confirmed ECMF's bioactivity and its role in skin improvement. ML-based formulations, such as Cellbiome, offer superior efficacy in skincare applications compared to conventional methods. This study underscores the importance of advanced delivery technologies in cosmetics and highlights the need for further research to optimize the benefits of natural extracts like EM for human skin, potentially advancing dermatological and cosmeceutical applications.

The skin, as the body’s largest organ, is vital for protecting against environmental stressors, regulating temperature, and preventing water loss. Here, we examined the potential of a mixture of five traditional Korean herbal extracts—Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rheum rhaponticum, and Scutellaria baicalensis—referred to as herbal medicine composite 5 (HRMC5) for enhancing skin health and managing menopausal symptoms. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. In vitro studies revealed an optimal concentration of 0.625 g/L for cell survival and UV protection, with the mixture demonstrating significant wound-healing properties comparable to epidermal growth factor. HRMC5 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating COX2 expression and upregulating the key skin barrier proteins. A 4-week clinical trial involving 20 postmenopausal women showed significant improvements in skin redness, hemoglobin concentration, and skin moisture content. Visual analog scale assessments indicated substantial reductions in facial flushing severity and the associated sweating. The topical application of HRMC5 cream offered potential advantages over ingested phytoestrogens by reducing the systemic side effects. These findings suggest that HRMC5 is a promising non-invasive treatment for vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women and overall skin health, warranting further research on its long-term efficacy and safety in larger populations.

The skin, as the body's largest organ, is vital for protecting against environmental stressors, regulating temperature, and preventing water loss. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for overall skin health and function. We examined the potential of a mixture of five traditional Korean herbal extracts—Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rheum rhaponticum, and Scutellaria baicalensis— referred to as herbal medicine composite 5 (HRMC5) for enhancing skin health. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. The extract showed concentration-dependent effects on cell viability and provided UV protection at 6.25 g/L. It also significantly promoted wound healing, similar to the efficacy of epidermal growth factor. Furthermore, the mixture exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by downregulating Cox2 expression and upregulated key skin barrier proteins, including Involucrin, Claudin 1, and Collagen Type 1. These findings highlight the potential of this herbal mixture for addressing skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and facial redness, supporting its use in developing natural skincare products. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms behind these effects and assess its clinical applications.

Freesia refracta (FR), a perennial flower of the Iris family (Iridaceae), is widely used in cosmetics despite limited scientific evidence of its skin benefits and chemical composition, particularly of FR callus extract (FCE). This study identified biologically active compounds in FCE and assessed their skin benefits, focusing on anti-aging. FR calli were cultured, extracted with water at 40 °C, and analyzed using Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and HCA, revealing key compounds, namely nicotinamide and pyroglutamic acid. FCE significantly increased collagen I production by 52% in normal and aged fibroblasts and enhanced fibroblast–collagen interaction by 37%. An in vivo study of 43 female volunteers demonstrated an 11.1% reduction in skin roughness and a 2.3-fold increase in collagen density after 28 days of cream application containing 3% FCE. Additionally, the preservation tests of cosmetics containing FCE confirmed their stability over 12 weeks. These results suggest that FCE offers substantial anti-aging benefits by enhancing collagen production and fibroblast–collagen interactions. These findings highlighted the potential of FCE in cosmetic applications, providing significant improvements in skin smoothness and overall appearance. This study fills a gap in the scientific literature regarding the skin benefits and chemical composition of FR callus extract, supporting its use in the development of effective cosmeceuticals.