A Cistus incanus Extract Blocks Psychological Stress Signaling and Reduces Neurogenic Inflammation and Signs of Aging in Skin, as Shown in In-Vitro Models and a Randomized Clinical Trial

Psychological stress exerts its effects primarily via the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which activates inflammatory pathways in skin (among others), leading to redness, extracellular matrix degradation, loss of skin elasticity and firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles, i.e. accelerated skin ageing. To suggest a cure to this neurogenic ageing phenomena, investigations were undertaken using a myricitrin-rich extract of Cistus incanus, a Mediterranean plant known to treat inflammatory and other disorders in traditional medicine. The findings demonstrated that this extract efficiently inhibits the CRH-R1 receptor, hence limiting NF-B activation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This same extract demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties in a clinical environment. These findings reveal the effectiveness of this extract as a cosmetic anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agent against neurogenic inflammation and skin ageing.