Phyllanthus emblica Linn. Mitigates skin aging via targeting Aquaporin-3

Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (PE), valued for its medicinal and nutritional properties, has been traditionally used to treat age-related disorders. However, its efficacy in preventing skin aging and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the current investigation, we evaluated the anti-aging capacity of PE through in vitro and in vivo experiments, and employed molecular docking alongside experimental validation to probe the potential mechanisms. In vitro, PE enhanced the proliferative activity of senescent human dermal fibroblasts and suppressed the expression of senescence markers induced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In vivo, PE treatment markedly inhibited wrinkle formation, reduced dermal thinning, and suppressed the upregulation of aging-related markers. Mechanistically, aquaporin-3 was identified as a potential target mediating the anti-aging effects of PE, with gallic acid likely being the key active component. Collectively, these findings support the potential of PE as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating skin aging. • PE delays fibroblast senescence caused by intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. • PE reduces dermal thinning and wrinkle deepening in aging mice. • AQP3 is essential for mediating the anti-skin aging effects of PE. • PE serves as a potential dietary intervention to delay skin aging.