Natural Plants from the Kyushu Region of Japan as New Sources of Bioactive Compounds: The Therapeutic Potential for Skin Senescence

Aging is an inherent phenomenon in the process of life. Inevitable as it is, people are still striving to decelerate the progress of aging via various approaches. Cosmetics products, endowed with antiaging, antioxidant, and anti-wrinkle properties, have been designed with this goal in mind. As the society advances, science and technology develop simultaneously, and living qualities enhance; consumers have become more conscious to pursue products that are safe, natural, healthy, and environment friendly. Diverse plant-derived products have emerged as focal points in the development of antiaging cosmetics. This chapter researches two natural plants, namely Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (HS) and Vanilla pompona Schiede (VP), from the subtropical region of Kyushu, Japan. They are both high-quality materials with substantial practical value and are extensively utilized in the food industry. Nonetheless, their potential applications in cosmetics development remain unexplored. This study revealed that the ethanol extracts from both HS and VP demonstrated promising antiaging properties. By employing a combination of column chromatography and bio-guided isolation, several major bioactive compounds were obtained. By establishing various evaluation systems, the authors further validated the antiaging potential of these compounds and clarified the possible bioactive mechanisms, thus expanding the horizon in their quest for natural plant-derived antiaging agents and antiaging components.