Sage and Rosemary Extract Gel: Anti-Aging Efficacy in D-galactose-Induced Skin Aging Model

This study aimed to develop a topical herbal gel incorporating Salvia officinalis Linn and Rosmarinus officinalis L. extracts to evaluate its anti-aging effects in a mouse model of skin aging. Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, common factors in premature aging. The study involved formulating and characterizing twelve herbal gel variants containing methanol extracts from these plants. These gels exhibited desirable qualities, such as stability and viscosity, and HF4, containing carbopol 934, displayed superior release properties. HF4 demonstrated excellent extrudability, 103±1.82% w/w of net content, and 97.65±1.63% cumulative release at 5 hours. In a d-galactose-induced skin aging mouse model, HF4 exhibited significant anti-aging effects, with increased dermal and epidermal layer thickness, elevated glutathione levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, this study successfully created a topical herbal gel with the potential to combat skin aging by enhancing skin structure and reducing oxidative stress. These findings suggest the promising anti-aging properties of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis herbal gel formulations.