Novel Senolytic Ingredient, Camellia sinensis Root Extract, Ameliorates Skin Aging-Associated Phenotypes

Senescent cells can affect neighboring cells via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which involves pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and proteases. This study aimed to explore the senolytic properties of Camellia sinensis root extract (SENOMUNE), which has therapeutic potential for skin aging-related disorders, with cell viability assays, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and flow cytometry using a stress-induced premature senescence model in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). NHDFs were induced to senescence using doxorubicin and insulin-like growth factor-1. The senolytic effect of SENOMUNE was also evaluated through the investigation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, gene and protein expression analysis, and apoptosis assays in NHDFs. The impact of SENOMUNE on the skin barrier function and pigmentation was assessed using conditioned media from senescent fibroblasts and ex vivo skin biopsies. SENOMUNE exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in senescent cells without affecting young cells and induced apoptosis in senescent cells through a caspase-independent mechanism involving apoptosis-inducing factor and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. SENOMUNE reduced SASP factors and improved skin barrier function and pigmentation by modulating the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes and autophagy. SENOMUNE thus demonstrated novel senolytic properties and therapeutic potential for managing skin-related disorders and is a promising anti-aging phytopharmaceutical ingredient.