The raspberry plant, or Rubus idaeus, is known for its medicinal purposes, including treating diarrhea and other digestive ailments. Despite its longstanding reputation for therapeutic properties, this plant is recently becoming of interest to researchers as an anti-aging ingredient. Scientists at VitaLab and Arterra Bioscience have observed that raspberry extract promotes skin hydration and protects the cells from excessive water loss. These hydrating and moisturizing properties have been specifically noted to fight against wrinkle formation. Furthermore, they are particularly rich in oil-soluble compounds that have a strong antioxidant activity that promotes anti-aging, a strong hydrolipidic film barrier of the skin, and the well-being of human cells.VitaLab and Arterra Bioscience scientists were able to come to these conclusions by growing raspberries in a laboratory under sterile and controlled conditions, such as liquid suspension cultures. The raspberries were then processed to obtain an oil-soluble extract that contained phenolic compounds and a wide range of fatty acids. This extract was tested on keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and the skin in order to gauge its cosmetic value. They found that when tested on skin cells, the extract encouraged the genes responsible for skin hydration, such as aquaporin 3, filaggrin, involucrin, and hyaluronic acid, and stimulated the expression and activity of the enzymes involved in ceramide production. ReferencesMcDougall, A. (2015, November 19). Raspberry extract shows strong anti-ageing potential.Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.