INTRODUCTION
Skin aging is an inevitable biological process, regardless of skin type. This natural progression of dermal senescence is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, where intrinsic aging refers to the skin's natural physiological decline characterized by a reduction in elasticity and collagen, skin thinning, and dryness.1 Extrinsic aging is mediated through environmental stressors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and inadequate nutrition.1 This dual mechanism accelerates skin aging, leading to visible changes such as deep wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of skin firmness.1,2
The demand for cosmetic strategies to mitigate these changes has grown in popularity, with more individuals seeking solutions to maintain a youthful appearance.1 Among the various approaches to skin rejuvenation, natural plant-based agents, such as those derived from Astragalus membranaceus, have garnered attention due to their perceived safety and holistic benefits.3
Astragalus membranaceus (Figure 1) has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine for over 2 millennia, and it is recognized for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties, including skin anti-aging.4 The root of Astragalus membranaceus is rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins.5,6 These herbal compounds have been shown to be effective in mitigating skin aging through mechanisms of enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, collagen preservation, and UV protection.6,7 These properties not only address visible signs of aging but also support the skin's structural integrity and resilience. Furthermore, astragaloside IV is a powerful astragalus-based triterpenoid saponin that can elongate telomeres, a key marker of cellular aging and a promising target for developing anti-aging interventions.1 By elucidating Astragalus membranaceus's molecular mechanisms, this herb can provide natural and effective solutions for skin aging.
The demand for cosmetic strategies to mitigate these changes has grown in popularity, with more individuals seeking solutions to maintain a youthful appearance.1 Among the various approaches to skin rejuvenation, natural plant-based agents, such as those derived from Astragalus membranaceus, have garnered attention due to their perceived safety and holistic benefits.3
Astragalus membranaceus (Figure 1) has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine for over 2 millennia, and it is recognized for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties, including skin anti-aging.4 The root of Astragalus membranaceus is rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins.5,6 These herbal compounds have been shown to be effective in mitigating skin aging through mechanisms of enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, collagen preservation, and UV protection.6,7 These properties not only address visible signs of aging but also support the skin's structural integrity and resilience. Furthermore, astragaloside IV is a powerful astragalus-based triterpenoid saponin that can elongate telomeres, a key marker of cellular aging and a promising target for developing anti-aging interventions.1 By elucidating Astragalus membranaceus's molecular mechanisms, this herb can provide natural and effective solutions for skin aging.
