Anti‐wrinkle properties of Angelica gigas Nakai root extracts using mineral‐rich water

BACKGROUND: Angelica gigas Nakai is used as an herbal pharmaceutical material in Korea. AIMS: To investigate the anti‐wrinkle effects of A. gigas Nakai root extracts (ARE) using mineral‐rich water in in vitro and clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cell viability of ARE was evaluated using a water‐soluble tetrazolium salt assay. After evaluating ARE's cytotoxicity, we used an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit to assess the effects of ARE on type I collagen in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). During a double‐blinded in vivo clinical study, participants were randomly assigned to use the sample and placebo formulations for the left and right sides of their face over an 8‐week period. We evaluated the anti‐wrinkle properties of the formulations using PRIMOS Lite and a global photodamage score. RESULTS: A. gigas Nakai root extracts cytotoxicity was evaluated in HDFs. We demonstrate that ARE increased type I collagen production by 40% at 50 μg/ml as compared with the control. The use of an ARE lotion significantly reduced the presence of crow's feet wrinkles in comparison with the use of the placebo after 8 weeks. Additionally, use of the ARE lotion led to decreased photodamage scores, indicating anti‐wrinkle effects. CONCLUSION: The use of ARE with mineral‐rich water has anti‐wrinkle effects in in vitro and clinical trials.