We have used an original technology (Plant Milking Technology) based on aeroponic cultivation of plants associated with the gentle recovery of active ingredients from roots. Extraction of bioactive molecules was achieved by soaking the roots, still attached to the living plants, into a nontoxic solvent for a 2 h period. This nondestructive recovery process allows using the same root biomass for successive harvesting dates, in a recyclable way. We have applied this technology to Morus alba L. (mulberry tree), an emblematic tree of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Trees were aeroponically grown in large-scale devices (100 m²) and were submitted to nitrogen deprivation to increase the content in active molecules (prenylated flavonoids). The Plant Milking technology applied to Morus alba L. allowed to produce an extract enriched in prenylated compounds (18-fold increase when compared to commercial root extract). Prenylated flavonoids (moracenin A and B, kuwanon C, wittiorumin F, morusin) presented a high affinity for the aged-associated collagenase enzyme, which was confirmed by activity inhibition. In accordance, M. alba extract presents efficient properties to regulate the skin matrisome, which is critical during skin aging. The benefits have been especially confirmed in vivo on wrinkle reduction, in a clinical study that involved aged women. Plant Milking technology is an optimal solution to produce active ingredients from plant roots, including trees, that meet both customer expectations around sustainability, as well as the need for an efficient production system for biotechnologists.

Continuous exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) can cause photodamage of the skin. This photodamage can be inhibited by the overexpression of the non-coding RNA, nc886, via the protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR) pathway. The study aims to identify how UVB inhibits nc886 expression, and it also seeks to determine whether substances that can control nc886 expression can influence UV-induced inflammation, and the mechanisms involved. The results suggest that UVB irradiation accelerates the methylation of the nc886 gene, therefore, reducing its expression. This induces the activation of the PKR, which accelerates the expression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and the production of MMP-9, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PGE₂), and certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Conversely, in a model of nc886 overexpression, the expression and production of those inflammatory factors are inhibited. In addition, Laminaria japonica extract (LJE) protect the levels of nc886 against UVB irradiation then subsequently inhibit the production of UV-induced inflammatory factors through the PKR pathway.

Skin aging is characterized by compromised epidermal homeostasis and dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) integrity, resulting in reduced stem cell potential and impaired tissue regeneration. This study investigated the effects of Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) on keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) and DEJ composition in human skin. Using human skin explants and cell culture models, we demonstrated that APE treatment enhances DEJ composition by increasing Collagen IV and Laminin production while decreasing MMP-9 expression, without altering epidermal structure or differentiation. In the same model, APE preserved stemness potential by upregulating markers related to niche components (collagen XVII and β1-integrin), proliferation (Ki-67 and KRT15), and stem cell capacity (Survivin and LRIG1). In vitro studies revealed that APE selectively stimulated KSC proliferation without affecting transit amplifying cells and promoted Collagen IV and Laminin secretion, particularly in KSCs. Furthermore, in a co-culture model simulating a compromised DEJ (UVB-induced), APE increased Laminin production in KSCs, suggesting a protective effect against photo-damage. These findings indicate that APE enhances DEJ composition and preserves stem cell potential, highlighting its promise as a candidate for skin anti-aging strategies targeting stem cell maintenance and extracellular matrix stability to promote skin regeneration and repair.