In Vitro and In Vivo Regulation of SRD5A mRNA Expression of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract from Asparagus Racemosus Root as Anti-Sebum and Pore-Minimizing Active Ingredients

The research investigated the effects of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root extract on sebum production and pore size. The extract, rich in polyphenolic compounds like quercetin, naringenin, and p-coumaric acid, significantly reduced the expression of steroid 5-alpha reductase gene (SRD5A) by about 45.45% and 90.86%. This led to a decrease in facial sebum production and a reduction in pore area in male volunteers after 15 and 30 days of treatment. However, this effect was not observed in female volunteers. The study, involving 42 volunteers (20 males and 22 females), concluded that A. racemosus root extract could be a potential anti-sebum and pore-minimizing ingredient for cosmetic applications.