ABSTRACT
Objective To study the anti-aging effect of total saponins of Polygala tenuifolia (PTS). Methods The effects of total saponins of Polygala tenuifolia on oxygen free radicals were investigated by the methods of scavenging hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical and DPPH oxygen free radicals in vitro. The photoaging model of mice skin was established to observe the effect of total saponins of Polygala tenuifolia on mouse skin pathology. Results In the experiment of antioxidation in vitro, the total saponins of Polygala tenuiflora significantly scavenged hydroxyl free radicals (P<0.05, P<0.001) and superoxide radical (P<0.01) at 6.0 and 12.0mg/mL, DPPH free radicals (P<0.001). In the light aging experiment, the light aging model of mice skin was established successfully in group B (model + medium tea oil). Compared with group B, the density of the skin epidermis in D group (30 min before irradiation, 6mg/mL PTS) was thickened, the elastic fibers were arranged uniformly and tightly, the collagen fibers proliferated significantly and densely, and the inflammatory cells infiltration was not found. The treatment effect was most remarkable in group G (30min after irradiation, PTS 12mg/mL PTS), and the skin of the mice was thickened, the elastic fibers were evenly arranged, the collagen fibers had some hyperplasia, evenly distributed, and there was no infiltration of inflammatory cells, which had significant therapeutic effect. Conclusion The total saponins of Polygala tenuifoliahas significant antioxidant activity and anti - light aging effect.