Codonopsis pilosula lipophilic extract nanogel tested in UV-photoaged mice and UVB-irradiated keratinocytes
In an abstract, a thermosensitive nanogel carrying lipophilic Codonopsis pilosula extract reduced wrinkling and epidermal hyperplasia in UV-photoaged mice and acted on the FGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in cells; this is preclinical evidence, not proof of benefit for people. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The abstract describes a thermosensitive nanogel carrying lipophilic Codonopsis pilosula extract (CP-L) that was developed to improve topical delivery. [1]
In UV-induced photoaged mice, topical nanogel application reportedly reduced wrinkling and epidermal hyperplasia, with epidermal thickness 83.2% lower than in the model group. [1]
The authors attribute the effect to enhanced cellular delivery, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition of the FGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, based on mouse and keratinocyte experiments. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Preclinical abstract: mouse model and cell experiments
- Population / context
- UV-induced photoaged mice and UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- July 16, 2026
Photoaging context and the CP-L nanogel approach
The abstract describes skin photoaging as mainly caused by chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure, with dryness, wrinkles, abnormal pigmentation and reduced elasticity, linked to oxidative stress, inflammation and breakdown of the extracellular matrix. Codonopsis pilosula is called a traditional food-medicine plant known for anti-aging properties, but its lipophilic components (CP-L) were described as insufficiently explored. The authors made a thermosensitive nanogel containing CP-L-loaded transferosomes to improve topical delivery.
Supporting source [1]
Mouse and keratinocyte results reported in the abstract
The nanogel was tested in a UV-induced photoaging mouse model and in UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes. In mice, topical application reportedly reduced skin wrinkling and epidermal hyperplasia, with epidermal thickness decreased by 83.2% compared with the model group. The abstract also reports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition of the FGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade. These are findings in animals and cells, not demonstrated human outcomes.
Supporting source [1]
Preclinical scope of the CP-L nanogel evidence
The authors conclude that the CP-L nanogel alleviated skin photoaging through enhanced cellular delivery, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and specific inhibition of the FGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade, and call it a potential multitargeted topical agent from an edible plant. The abstract does not report human participants, clinical outcomes, dosing for people or safety data. The full text was not reviewed.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. Evidence comes from a UV-induced mouse model and UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes, so human benefit, safety and dosing are not established.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Zhou J, Ge Y, Li R, Cheng Z, Gao J, Zheng B. · europepmc.org · July 16, 2026