Anti-Glycation and Anti-Aging Efficacy of Newly Synthesized Antioxidant With Autophagy Stimulating Activity

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 May;24(5):e70240. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70240.

Abstract

Background: The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in aged skin and their pro-aging effects suggest the potential application of anti-glycation ingredients as skin anti-aging agents.

Aims: This study evaluated the anti-aging efficacy of a newly developed anti-glycation ingredient with antioxidant and autophagy-stimulating activities through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical efficacy tests.

Methods: AGEs formation in both the cell-free BSA/glyoxal system and glucose/glyoxal-treated human epidermal keratinocytes was measured, while the degradation of pre-formed BSA/AGEs by keratinocytes was assessed. Anti-glycation and anti-inflammatory effects were further examined using an ex vivo human skin explant model. Clinical anti-aging effects were analyzed by assessing skin AGE levels, melanin and erythema indices, skin elasticity, and skin hydration levels.

Results: The tested ingredient inhibited AGE formation and accelerated the degradation of pre-formed AGEs in vitro. A significant reduction in skin AGE levels, reduction of skin melanin and erythema indices, and improvement of skin elasticity and hydration in healthy volunteers were observed after 2 and 4 weeks of test product application.

Conclusion: A newly synthesized antioxidant with autophagy-stimulating activity exhibited significant anti-glycation efficacy in both in vitro and clinical studies, suggesting its potential as an effective skin anti-aging ingredient.

Keywords: N‐dichloroacetyl tryptamine (NdCAT); advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs); antioxidant; autophagy; clinical efficacy testing; cosmetic dermatology.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antioxidants* / pharmacology
  • Autophagy* / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Elasticity / drug effects
  • Erythema / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced* / metabolism
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Melanins / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine / metabolism
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin Aging* / drug effects

Substances

  • Glycation End Products, Advanced
  • Antioxidants
  • Melanins
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine