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Natural Plant-Based Bioactive for Skin Anti-Ageing: A Review of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Collagen-Protective and Photoprotective Properties

Authors

Polly Gupta*

Abstract

Skin ageing is influenced by intrinsic biological changes and external stressors such as ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollution. Excessive reactive oxygen species, inflammation, collagen degradation, and impaired skin barrier function contribute to wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, and other visible signs of ageing. This review highlights the potential of selected plant-derived bioactives, including Terminalia chebula, bakuchiol from Psoralea corylifolia, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Matricaria chamomilla, in combating skin ageing. Their reported activities include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, protection of collagen, photoprotection, and support of skin barrier integrity. These bioactives may act through multiple pathways associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory signalling, extracellular matrix degradation, and collagen maintenance. Overall, plant-derived compounds represent promising multifunctional candidates for natural anti-ageing and cosmeceutical applications. However, further standardized mechanistic studies and well-designed clinical investigations are needed to establish their efficacy, safety, and practical therapeutic potential.

Keywords

Skin ageing Natural products Phytochemicals Anti-ageing Oxidative stress Collagen Matrix metalloproteinases Photoprotection Skin barrier Cosmeceuticals Medicinal plants Bioactive compounds.

References

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Polly Gupta (2026) Natural Plant-Based Bioactive for Skin Anti-Ageing: A Review of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Collagen-Protective and Photoprotective Properties International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, 1(2), 17–22.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23342225