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Pentacyclic Triterpenes from <b><i>Terminalia arjuna</i></b> Show Multiple Benefits on Aged and Dry Skin

2013; Karger Publishers; Volume: 27; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1159/000351387

1660-5535

Mike Farwick, Theresa Köhler, J. Schild, Matthias Mentel, U. Maczkiewitz, V. Pagani, Adriana Bonfigli, Luciano A. Rigano, D. Bureik, Gerd G. Gauglitz,

Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Pentacyclic triterpenoids improve epidermal barrier function and induce collagen production. Here, their effects on cutaneous aging by means of objective instrumental measurements were elucidated. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Reconstituted human epidermis, cultivated keratinocytes and fibroblasts were incubated with <i>Terminalia arjuna</i> triterpenes (<i>T. arjuna</i> bark extract), and mRNA and protein expression of various genes was determined using microarray analysis, qRT-PCR and ELISA techniques. Clinical efficacy of <i>T. arjuna</i> bark extract versus vehicle control cream was elucidated in 30 patients and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and elasticity were measured. Another 30 female patients in their postmenopausal phase were treated with a similar regime, and skin sebum content, cutaneous blood microcirculation and skin density/echogenicity were assessed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Incubation with <i>T. arjuna</i> triterpenes increased FGF-2, TSP-1, TGF-β and CTGF expression, and VEGF secretion in vitro. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase release upon sodium dodecyl sulphate challenge was reversed by the application of <i>T. arjuna</i> bark extract. <i>T. arjuna</i> bark extract decreased TEWL, improved skin moisturization, reduced scaliness and led to significantly improved skin elasticity. Also, increases in blood microflow and skin sebum content as well as improved skin thickness/echogenicity were noted on postmenopausal skin, resulting in visible reduction of sagging skin on the jowls as demonstrated by digital photography. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b><i>T. arjuna</i> bark extract appears as an innovative active ingredient that exerts versatile antiaging properties in vitro and in vivo.