Alpine rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) also known as Alpen rose, belongs to the genus Rhododendron. It is one of the most beautiful flowers of the Alps, and grows at high mountainous altitude.
The ornamental plant thrives in a harsh environment with acidic and poor nutrient soils. Due to the harsh environmental conditions, Alpine rose developed strategies to protect itself against dehydration, UV radiation and attack of radicals and from pathogens.
Phytochemical Content With Anti-aging Properties of Alpine Rose
Among the phytochemicals present in Alpine rose extract, flavonoids are the predominant phenolic compounds. Among these flavonoids present in Alpine rose, hyperoside, naringenin, ferrerol and taxifolin are the most probable constituents that are involved in the senolytic and skin-rejuvenation effects.
How does Alpine maintain a youthful skin?
The anti-aging properties of Alpine rose are seen in the ability of its phenolic compounds to eliminate senescent cells from the skin.
Senescent cells greatly contribute to skin aging by inducing inflammatory responses and degradation of extracellular matrix.
When the normal human dermal fibroblasts were treated with Alpine rose extract, the number of senescent cells was reduced. Also, the normal proliferating cells were not affected.
Molecular Mechanism of Anti-aging Properties of Alpine rose
The phenolic components of Alpine rose maintain a youthful body by eliminating senescent cells. This is carried out by inducing apoptosis through the inhibition of Bcl-2, which is responsible for apoptosis resistance in senescent cells and in cancer cells, as well.
Other Health Benefits of Alpine Rose
Alpine rose has been used, traditionally in treating rheumatism and blood pressure. It also has antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus I.
Another health benefit of Alpine rose is its inhibitory activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis adhesion to epithelial buccal KB cells, which suggests its antimicrobial potential in preventing periodontal diseases.
References
Gescher, K.; Kühn, J.; Hafezi, W.; Louis, A.; Derksen, A.; Deters, A.; Lorentzen, E.; Hensel, A. Inhibition of viral adsorption and penetration by an aqueous extract from Rhododendron ferrugineum L. as antiviral principle against herpes simplex virus type-1. Fitoterapia 2011, 82, 408–413
Löhr, G.; Beikler, T.; Hensel, A. Inhibition of in vitro adhesion and virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis by aqueous extract and polysaccharides from Rhododendron ferrugineum L. A new way for prophylaxis of periodontitis? Fitoterapia 2015, 107, 105–113.
Wandrey, F.; Schmid, D.; Zülli, F. Senolytics: Eliminating «zombie cells» in the skin—A novel anti-aging mechanism to combat senescent cells. Ski. Care HPC Today 2020, 15, 18–20.
Chosson, E.; Chaboud, A.; Chulia, A.J.; Raynaud, J. Dihydroflavonol glycosides from Rhododendron ferrugineum. Phytochemistry 1998, 49, 1431–1433.
Abedini, A.; Colin, M.; Hubert, J.; Charpentier, E.; Angelis, A.; Bounasri, H.; Bertaux, B.; Kotland, A.; Reffuveille, F.; Nuzillard, J.M.; et al. Abundant Extractable Metabolites from Temperate Tree Barks: The Specific Antimicrobial Activity of Prunus Avium Extracts. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 111.