In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, Moldavian dragonhead extract (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) remarkably boosts collagen gene expression, enhances skin hydration by more than 70%, and increases dermal thickness as a natural way to prevent skin ageing. A recent publication from OBM Geriatric published the potent effect of the Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) extracts in skins against ageing through collagen stimulation.
Background and rationale
Skin ageing is characterised by a gradual decrease in collagen content, moisture, and dermal thickness, a process that is accelerated by oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and environmental exposure. Collagen, a structural protein that is vital for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity, is broken down as people age, which causes problems such as wrinkles and thinning of the skin.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in plant-based alternatives to collagen supplements. Moldavian dragonhead is a type of herb that contains flavonoid-glucuronides, particularly luteolin- and apigenin-glucuronide, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve skin.
Experimental findings
In vitro experiments involving human dermal fibroblasts demonstrated that Moldavian dragonhead extract (MDH Nu sd) treatment resulted in a substantial elevation of key genes for extracellular matrix stability, including COL16A1, COL3A1, COL6A1, and biglycan (BGN). They are important in collagen fibril structure, skin elasticity, and skin resistance.
Clinical evidence
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial consisting of 103 healthy, female subjects aged between 35-65 years estimated the clinical effectiveness of daily oral supplementation (100 mg Moldavian dragonhead extract) over 12 weeks.
Primary outcomes were:
- Skin hydration: statistically improved by 71.1% from baseline at week 12;
- Dermis thickness: increased by 8.7%, attributed to enhanced collagen deposition;
- Safety: the medication was well tolerated with no ill effects.
Mechanistic insights
Its effectiveness appears to be linked with its induction of collagen gene expression and putative modulation of the AMPK-FOXO1 pathway – a known tissue homeostasis and longevity regulator. These molecular mechanisms underlie the enhancements in dermal structure and hydration seen.
Conclusion
Moldavian dragonhead extract demonstrates great promise as a natural, safe, and effective substance for facilitating skin health and preventing aging-related dermal decline. Its performance as a natural cosmeceutical collagen-stimulating agent aligns with the growing desire for natural cosmeceutical therapies and is worthy of further research.
Reference:
Baumann J, Bönzli E, Wandrey F, Grothe T. Moldavian Dragonhead Extract: A Natural Collagen-Booster to Target Skin Aging. OBM Geriatrics 2025; 9(2): 305; doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.2502305.
