The NAWG combinatorial strategy activates MAPK signaling to restore extracellular matrix architecture in aging skin

This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging properties and underlying mechanisms of Nitraria anthocyanin (NA) and wild ginseng saponin (WG) in HaCaT cells. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography Q Exactive high-resolution mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to analyze WG and NA, and HaCaT cells were subjected to treatment with WG and NA, followed by assessment of cell viability, expression levels of extracellular matrix components, and analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. We identified 36 ginsenoside components in WG and 7 anthocyanin components in NA, which corresponded to 4 types: cyanidin, malvidin, delphinidin, and pelargonin. 80 μg/mL NA and 4 μg/mL WG (NAWG-3) significantly promoted cell proliferation and energy metabolism in HaCaT cells, while also enhancing the cellular hyaluronic acid content and elevating the expression levels of collagen I, elastin, and components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Furthermore, WG and NA downregulate the mRNA expression of matrix hydrolases. The anti-aging effects of NAWG-3 on the skin were achieved through the stimulation of HaCaT cell activity, promotion of extracellular matrix component expression, and inhibition of their degradation.