This is believed to be the first study where, unlike previous research into ginseng saponins and polysaccharides, academics have identified that ginseng extracts containing water-soluble small molecules and polypeptides exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties.
Writing in the journal Cosmetics, the research team from China stated that in vitro assays revealed that GPE reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) in RAW264.7 macrophages while enhancing collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts.
Validation using 3D epidermal and dermal models further confirmed GPE’s ability to mitigate UV-induced damage, restore skin barrier proteins and increase collagen content.
In addition, researchers screened 19 candidate peptides from ginseng extract using machine learning and prioritised their interaction with skin ageing and inflammation-related targets.
Three peptides (QEGIYPNNDLYRPK, VDCPTDDATDDYRLK, and ADEVVHHPLDKSSEVE) demonstrated significant collagen-promoting, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in cellular models.
The researchers wrote: “While earlier research has focused on the antioxidant properties of ginseng saponins, our study extends this by demonstrating the anti-inflammatory and collagen-promoting effects of GPE. Additionally, our use of multi-layer skin models to validate GPE’s reparative effects on UV-induced damage offers a more realistic assessment of its potential in skincare applications.”
They also underlined how their computational model may provide time-saving benefits and lead to new product development opportunities.
Traditional methods of peptide discovery from natural sources often involve labour-intensive and time-consuming processes, such as extraction, purification, and in vitro and in vivo testing. These methods typically require extensive experimentation and can be limited by the complexity of natural products and the variability in their biological activities.
“In contrast, our study employs a combination of network pharmacology and machine learning to predict and identify bioactive peptides from ginseng extract.
“This computational approach offers an advantage over traditional methods: by using predictive models, we can rapidly screen and prioritise potential bioactive peptides, significantly reducing the time and resources required for experimental validation, and network pharmacology allows us to integrate multiple data sources, providing a more holistic view of their therapeutic potential.”
Despite this, there are several limitations to the study. Firstly, the bioactivity of the identified peptides was only suggested in vitro, and the 3D experimental models do not fully replicate the complexity of human skin. Therefore, clinical trials are also needed to confirm GPE’s efficacy and safety, while more research is also needed to explore the specific molecular mechanisms of GPE’s effects, and its potential synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds.
“As computational biology evolves, the virtual screening methods used here can be improved. Better machine learning algorithms and predictive models could increase the accuracy and efficiency of identifying bioactive peptides from natural sources,” the researchers added.
“This would allow our research approach to be applied more broadly to the discovery of bioactive compounds in various natural ingredients. Moreover, future research could focus on the structural optimization and modification of the identified ginseng peptides using various computational approaches to enhance their efficacy, stability, and bioavailability for practical applications in skincare and therapeutic formulations.”
Nevertheless, these findings highlight the efficacy of computational approaches in identifying natural bioactive ingredients, positioning ginseng peptides as promising candidates for innovative cosmeceutical formulations targeting inflammaging and skin rejuvenation.
Source: Cosmetics
https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12020085
“Systematic Evaluation and Identification of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Aging Ginseng Peptides for Skincare Applications”
Authors: Ze Xia, et al