<i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology

<i>Cordyceps militaris</i> is a medicinal mushroom widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. This review explores the potential of <i>C. militaris</i>-derived bioactive gels for applications in dermatology and skinc...

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Main Authors: Trung Quang Nguyen, Thinh Van Pham, Yusuf Andriana, Minh Ngoc Truong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Gels
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/1/33
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author Trung Quang Nguyen
Thinh Van Pham
Yusuf Andriana
Minh Ngoc Truong
author_facet Trung Quang Nguyen
Thinh Van Pham
Yusuf Andriana
Minh Ngoc Truong
author_sort Trung Quang Nguyen
collection DOAJ
description <i>Cordyceps militaris</i> is a medicinal mushroom widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. This review explores the potential of <i>C. militaris</i>-derived bioactive gels for applications in dermatology and skincare, with a particular focus on their therapeutic and anti-aging benefits. In response to the rising incidence of skin cancers and the growing demand for natural bioactive ingredients, <i>C. militaris</i> has emerged as a valuable source of functional compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine. These compounds exhibit multiple bioactivities, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to be particularly effective against melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of <i>C. militaris</i> enhance skin resilience by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby addressing skin health and anti-aging requirements. The potential for incorporating <i>C. militaris</i> compounds into gel-based formulations for skincare is also examined, either as standalone bioactives or in combination with synergistic ingredients. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of clinical trials and standardization to establish the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of such applications. By providing a safer alternative to synthetic agents, <i>C. militaris</i>-derived bioactive gels represent a promising advancement in dermatology and skincare.
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institution Kabale University
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spelling doaj-art-662c9fd8910245148df81b578363613a2025-01-24T13:33:51ZengMDPI AGGels2310-28612025-01-011113310.3390/gels11010033<i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in DermatologyTrung Quang Nguyen0Thinh Van Pham1Yusuf Andriana2Minh Ngoc Truong3Institute of Environmental Science and Public Health, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi 11353, VietnamFaculty of Tourism and Culinary, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, VietnamResearch Center for Appropriate Technology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Subang 41213, IndonesiaCenter for High Technology Research and Development, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam<i>Cordyceps militaris</i> is a medicinal mushroom widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. This review explores the potential of <i>C. militaris</i>-derived bioactive gels for applications in dermatology and skincare, with a particular focus on their therapeutic and anti-aging benefits. In response to the rising incidence of skin cancers and the growing demand for natural bioactive ingredients, <i>C. militaris</i> has emerged as a valuable source of functional compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine. These compounds exhibit multiple bioactivities, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to be particularly effective against melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of <i>C. militaris</i> enhance skin resilience by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby addressing skin health and anti-aging requirements. The potential for incorporating <i>C. militaris</i> compounds into gel-based formulations for skincare is also examined, either as standalone bioactives or in combination with synergistic ingredients. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of clinical trials and standardization to establish the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of such applications. By providing a safer alternative to synthetic agents, <i>C. militaris</i>-derived bioactive gels represent a promising advancement in dermatology and skincare.https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/1/33anti-agingbioactive compounds<i>Cordyceps militaris</i>dermatologyskincaretherapeutic properties
spellingShingle Trung Quang Nguyen
Thinh Van Pham
Yusuf Andriana
Minh Ngoc Truong
<i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology
Gels
anti-aging
bioactive compounds
<i>Cordyceps militaris</i>
dermatology
skincare
therapeutic properties
title <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology
title_full <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology
title_fullStr <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology
title_full_unstemmed <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology
title_short <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology
title_sort i cordyceps militaris i derived bioactive gels therapeutic and anti aging applications in dermatology
topic anti-aging
bioactive compounds
<i>Cordyceps militaris</i>
dermatology
skincare
therapeutic properties
url https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/1/33
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AT yusufandriana icordycepsmilitarisiderivedbioactivegelstherapeuticandantiagingapplicationsindermatology
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