Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract is proposed for cosmetic use, but no data on biological effects of KRG-loaded vehicles exist. The study aimed to optimize new multi- and monophase vehicles for KRG extract delivery, assess their biocompatibility and evaluate their radical scavenging effect in vitro. Storage stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) and hydroalcoholic gels (2 % w/w KRG) was assessed over twelve weeks using dynamic light scattering, rheology and pH measurements. Release profiles of ginsenosides Rb1 (more hydrophilic) and Rg1 (moderately lipophilic) through a cellulose membrane were also investigated employing Franz diffusion cells. Antioxidant potential and biocompatibility were assessed via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cell viability assays. Vehicles remained stable over twelve weeks at 8 °C (NEs Dh stable, gel viscosity + 3.5 %). Diffusion studies showed higher release of Rg1 vs. Rb1 (7.10 vs. 1.39 µg/cm-2 after 28 h). KRG-formulations demonstrated good biocompatibility with primary human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes (72-94 % viability). Radical scavenging capacity of KRG extract did not differ between pure and incorporated form and was lower than that of a Hypericum extract or ascorbic acid. Results render KRG-formulations a potentially promising alternative to conventional antioxidants used in daily products.
Keywords: DPPH; HaCaT keratinocytes; Hydrogel; Korean red ginseng extract; Nanoemulsion; Primary human dermal fibroblasts; Release studies.
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