Modulating Testosterone Pathway: A New Strategy to Tackle Male Skin Aging?

The document from 2012 explores the use of honokiol, a natural compound, as a potential treatment for male skin aging by modulating testosterone levels. The study found that honokiol inhibits aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase type 1, enzymes that degrade testosterone, suggesting it could help maintain skin density and elasticity. In vitro tests showed honokiol's concentration-dependent inhibition of these enzymes, with IC50 values of approximately 50 µM for aromatase and 75 µM for 5-alpha-reductase type 1. A clinical study with 40 Caucasian men aged 55 to 63 demonstrated honokiol's antiaging and skin redensifying effects. Although honokiol did not inhibit 5-alpha-reductase type 2, a 1% honokiol preparation showed anti-wrinkle effects and was well tolerated in a clinical trial with 20 volunteers. The findings indicate honokiol's potential as a selective inhibitor for 5-alpha-reductase type 1 and its promise in anti-aging skincare for men, but further studies are needed to confirm these results and optimize the compound's potency and selectivity.