Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Phytochemicals as Prevention of Collagen Degradation and Wrinkle Formation: a Literature Review

Abstrak

of the most visible manifestations. Aging disrupt the balance between collagen synthesis and degradation, leading to fragmentation of collagen fibers and loss of skin elasticity. Natural phytochemicals have gained increasing attention as potential agents for preventing or delaying skin aging due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) contains a variety of bioactive compounds with potential dermatological benefits. Major phytochemicals identified in rosemary include phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, diterpenes such as carnosic acid and carnosol, as well as flavonoids and volatile terpenoids. These compounds have demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and the ability to modulate molecular pathways associated with skin aging. Evidence from in vitro studies suggests that rosemary phytochemicals can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, suppress inflammatory signaling pathways, and inhibit the expression of MMPs involved in collagen degradation. Emerging clinical evidence, particularly from oral supplementation studies, also suggests improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, and oxidative stress biomarkers, supporting the translational potential of rosemary phytochemicals in human skin. Available evidence supports the potential application of rosemary-derived compounds in dermatological and cosmeceutical formulations aimed at preventing collagen degradation and wrinkle formation. This literature review summarizes current evidence on the phytochemical composition of rosemary and the molecular mechanisms through which its bioactive compounds may contribute to the prevention of skin aging.