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Potential Cosmetic Applications of the Combined Extract of Panax ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps militaris, and Several Asian Plants

Summary

Researchers created a combination extract from four Asian plants including ginseng, medicinal mushrooms, and other herbs to treat acne. They tested this blend in laboratories and found it effectively killed acne-causing bacteria, reduced skin inflammation, repaired the skin barrier, and reduced oily skin production. The extract was safe for skin cells and appeared to work as well as or better than standard treatments.

Background

Acne is a prevalent dermatological disorder with complex mechanisms including bacterial-driven inflammation, reactive oxygen species activation, abnormal sebum secretion, and compromised skin barrier function. Current antibiotic and glucocorticoid treatments face limitations due to drug resistance and adverse effects. Natural ingredients, particularly herbal combinations, offer potential as safer multi-target therapies.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the stability of a combined extract of Panax ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps militaris, and several Asian plants (PGC) and assess its multifunctional efficacy for acne-related skin dysfunction through network pharmacology and in vitro validation.

Results

HPLC validated batch consistency with key bioactive constituents including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. PGC demonstrated potent antibacterial efficacy against Cutibacterium acnes (MIC=25 μg/mL), restored skin barrier integrity (filaggrin +235%, loricrin +261%), accelerated keratinocyte migration (40%), reduced ROS (45%) and lipid droplets (60%), and attenuated inflammatory responses (40% NO inhibition) with no cytotoxicity at ≤200 μg/mL.

Conclusion

PGC exemplifies the translational potential of herbal compatibility, offering a multitarget solution for acne management through antibacterial, barrier-repair, and anti-inflammatory actions. This study established a network pharmacology-guided framework for developing evidence-based multitarget cosmetics from herbal combinations.
  • Published in:Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology,
  • Study Type:In Vitro Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40762221, DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70343
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