Asian ginseng has been used for thousands of years for many health benefits and for skin care, but a new study has proved it also has skin anti-photoaging properties as well.
According to a study published in the July 2014 edition of the Journal of Biosciences, the age-defying properties of ginseng can be attributed to ginsenoside Rh2 in UV-B-irradiated human keratinocyte cells, according to Korean researchers Sun-Joo Oh, Sihyeong Lee, Woo-Yong Choi and Chang-Jin Lim at the Department of Biological Sciences, Kangwon National University.
Keratinocyte cells, or “basal cells”, are found in the outermost layer of skin – or epidermis.
The research also reports that the two stereoisomers of ginsenoside Rh2, 20(S)-Rh2 and 20(R)-Rh2, possess skin anti-photoaging effects that can possibly work in different fashions.
The skin care industry already is taking advantage of ginseng’s ability to detox skin and fight premature aging, although its use benefits mature skin types significantly.
Additionally, a study by University of Maryland scientists has shown ginseng can help rid the body of free radicals, which can damage DNA and contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Dr. Alethea Fleming, ND, of Vital Aging Clinic in Anacortes, Wash., said. “In terms of ginseng, it’s one of our older and best known adaptogens, so we definitely are highly supportive of its anti-aging properties. It doesn’t surprise me that someone is showing this to be true.”
Dr. Fleming said she uses adaptogens in dementia therapy. “Ginseng is one of the most popular adaptogens,” she said.