Skin aging is a complex physiological phenomenon caused by internal and external factors. Many scientists have put forward various theories, hoping to explain this natural phenomenon and find ways to delay aging. For the anti-aging effect of Chinese herbal medicine, scientists have put forward the following main mechanisms: delaying cell aging. The extracts of Radix Astragali and Ginseng can prolong the life of cells, including human skin fibroblasts.
2. Scavenging free radicals
Free radicals, including peroxides and hydroxyl radicals, have strong oxidation ability and will lead to skin and body aging. Experiments show that many Chinese herbal medicines have strong antioxidant effects. The extracts of Schisandra chinensis and Panax notoginseng can effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde production. Flavonoids in the extract can improve the biological activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes, promote the synthesis of SOD and GSH- PX enzymes, and thus reduce lipid peroxidation.
In addition, Salvia miltiorrhiza contains active substances of salvianolic acid B and salvianolic acid C, which is an effective free radical scavenger and can also inhibit lipid peroxidation and platelet aggregation.
Repair collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in human body, accounting for 25% of the total in protein. It is an important part of dermis and a soluble protein, which mainly exists in skin, teeth, bones and tendons. With the increase of age, the ability of collagen to respond to physical stress will gradually decline, because hydroxyproline is the most important and stable amino acid in skin collagen, and its relative content can indirectly reflect the content of collagen in skin and the aging degree of dermis.
Studies have shown that many traditional Chinese herbal medicines can not only scavenge free radicals, but also repair collagen. Poria cocos extract can increase hydroxyproline content and inhibit cross-linking of collagen molecules; The formula of Polygonatum sibiricum can effectively increase the content of hydroxyproline and promote the proliferation of fibroblasts. Salvianolic acid B and salvianolic acid C contained in Salvia miltiorrhiza can increase SOD activity, hydroxyproline content and improve skin elasticity.
4. Immune regulation
The epidermis of the skin is a natural barrier against antigen invasion. The outermost layer of epidermis is stratum corneum, and the bottom layer is lipid bilayer. With the increase of age, the response of many immune functions will decline. When the immune system is not working properly, it will have a negative impact on collagen and elastin and delay wound healing.
Among Chinese herbal medicines, Schisandra chinensis extract can improve the activity of macrophages and enhance the role of SOD; The main active component of Panax notoginseng is saponin, which not only has strong free radical scavenging ability, but also can regulate skin immunity. In addition, Cuscuta chinensis extract can improve the immunity of the body by increasing the synthesis of interleukin -2.
5. Promote skin microcirculation
Microcirculation of skin is helpful to provide nutrients for skin efficiently, support cell metabolism and regulate body temperature, which is very important for skin care and delaying skin aging.
Salvia miltiorrhiza extract can improve the blood circulation of skin capillaries; The extracts of Angelica sinensis and Bletilla striata are not only powerful antioxidants, but also can effectively improve blood circulation, thus delaying skin aging.