Anti-Aging Efficacy of Fructosazine and Deoxyfructosazine: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis

As the proportion of the elderly population increases, there is an urgent need for anti-aging technologies. Since the skin is the most visibly aging organ in the human body, it is crucial to develop active ingredients to slow down skin aging. Currently, identified anti-aging active substances include antioxidants, retinoids, peptides, growth factors, and compounds derived from biofermentation. However, they have limitations such as poor stability, low transdermal permeability, skin irritation, high effective concentrations, slow onset of efficacy, single-action mechanisms, and high production costs. These limitations highlight the necessity of developing new anti-aging technologies that are multifunctional and cause low irritation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of fructosazine (FZ) and deoxyfructosazine (DOF) on the skin as well as their potential applications in skincare. The methods included ELISA tests to assess the viability of human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and related factors, and monitoring in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The results showed that FZ promoted cell viability. Both FZ and DOF enhanced the secretion of type I collagen (Col I) and hyaluronic acid (HA), inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), boosted catalase (CAT), and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and β-galactosidase. They also nourished the epidermis and increased fiber content. In conclusion, FZ and DOF can stimulate the production of anti-aging substances, exhibit antioxidant activity, and have potential in skincare.