In Vitro and In Vivo Regulation of MRNA Expression of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract from Willd. Root As Anti-Sebum and Pore-Minimizing Active Ingredients

Oily skin from overactive sebaceous glands affects self-confidence and personality. There is report of an association between steroid 5-alpha reductase gene () expression and facial sebum production. There is no study of the effect of Willd. root extract on the regulation of mRNA expression and anti-sebum efficacy. This study extracted using the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid technique with ethanol and investigated its biological compounds and activities. The root extract had a high content of polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin, naringenin, and -coumaric acid, and DPPH scavenging activity comparable to that of the standard L-ascorbic acid. root extract showed not only a significant reduction in and mRNA expression by about 45.45% and 90.86%, respectively, but also a reduction in the in vivo anti-sebum efficacy in male volunteers, with significantly superior percentage changes in facial sebum production and a reduction in the percentages of pore area after 15 and 30 days of treatment. It can be concluded that root extract with a high content of polyphenol compounds, great antioxidant effects, promising downregulation of and , and predominant facial sebum reduction and pore-minimizing efficacy could be a candidate for an anti-sebum and pore-minimizing active ingredient to serve in functional cosmetic applications.