Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract: Boost High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan to Erase Shadows

Hyaluronic acid is widely used in the cosmetics industry as a moisturizing ingredient. Now, hyaluronic acid is first and foremost a major component of the dermal extra-cellular matrix notably provides support and volume. Unfortunately, and just as so many physiological functions, aging disturbs the balance and hyaluronan progressively becomes increasingly bound to tissues and consequently less available. To first counteract the age-disturbed hyaluronan balance, it is necessary to boost its synthesis. But more interestingly, to efficiently provide volume to the dermis, it is even more relevant to encourage production of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Indeed, the greater the molecular weight, the greater the ability to take up water, swell and create volume. Among hyaluronan synthase enzymes, HAS-2 produces the longest hyaluronan chains with the highest molecular weight and thus represents a favored target to impart volume to thinning dermis. Among more than 105 potential active substances tested, Alpinia Galanga Extract was identified as potent inducer of HAS-2 mRNA and protein expression in vitro as well as hyaluronan production as measured in cultured dermal fibroblasts.